Farmers and communities in Bunyoro are welcoming a major boost to their livelihoods following the expansion of Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hubs to include value addition projects. The move is set to transform how Ugandans benefit from their agricultural produce by reducing reliance on selling raw goods at low prices.
The upgraded Greater Bunyoro hub now features a maize mill, animal feed processing plant, and modern grain silos. These facilities are expected to help farmers process and store their produce, increasing its value and market potential. With the maize mill capable of handling up to 1,000 tonnes daily, the region is poised to maximize its strong agricultural output.
Officials say the initiative will address long-standing challenges faced by farmers, particularly the lack of processing infrastructure. Similar upgrades are being rolled out across the country, with significant government investment aimed at strengthening value addition in agriculture. Plans are also underway to introduce rice and coffee processing in other regions. 
Beyond agriculture, the hubs are playing a key role in tackling youth unemployment. In Bunyoro alone, over 1,500 young people have received skills training, enabling many to start businesses or secure jobs. Additional financial support, including grants for SACCOs formed by graduates, is helping turn skills into sustainable enterprises.
The introduction of branded products, such as maize flour produced under the Presidential Industrial Hubs label, highlights a shift toward competitive local manufacturing. Altogether, the initiative signals a broader economic transformation—empowering farmers, creating jobs, and building a stronger, more self-sufficient economy.
