Despite being the only grain milling factory in the West Nile region, the Arua Value Addition Facility continues to operate far below its full capacity due to insufficient grain supply from local farmers.
Investigations by New Vision reveal that the sh8b facility is running at just 15% of its intended capacity, a stark contrast to its potential output.
“Our farmers have struggled to meet demand, even though this is the only milling factory in the region. We have learned that much of the grain used here is sourced from outside West Nile,” a local MP told New Vision.
Located in Awindir ward, Central division, Arua cy, the Arua Value Addition Facility was commissioned in 2020 by President Yoweri Museveni under the Market and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme.
Funded by the African Development Bank and implemented by the local government ministry, the facility was designed to promote value addition and improve market access for agricultural products.
It currently processes maize, cassava, millet and sorghum flour while also sorting cereals such as beans and peas.
The facility supports over one million people, including farmers, brokers, agronomists and transporters.
Although it was launched in 2020, the facility remained dormant until Rwahi Investments took over its management.
Since then, operations have resumed, aligning with the Government’s goals for value addition and agricultural transformation.
Rwahi Investments Limited managing director Casbert Tukundane confirmed that the facility is producing below capacity due to limited grain supply.
“Farmers are not supplying enough raw materials to meet demand,” Tukundane said.
The facility currently processes 30 tonnes of grain daily, most of which is sourced from Masindi and Kiryandongo rather than West Nile, raising production costs.
“Our production can only meet local demand. To expand, we need better co-ordination between the private sector and government agencies,” Tukundane explained.
“We request the Government to encourage the cultivation of cereals in West Nile to ensure a sufficient supply of raw materials,” he said.
National Resistance Movement secretary general Richard Todwong, who recently toured the facility, praised the Government’s efforts in enhancing agricultural trade and foster economic development in the West Nile region.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening agricultural value chains to improve farmers’ livelihoods and increase household incomes.
Todwong commended the facility’s role in job creation and local economic growth.
He was accompanied by Arua Central Division MP Jackson Atima and speaker Rasul Osuga.
New Vision has learned that instability in the DR Congo and South Sudan has disrupted key export markets for the facility.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Leaders and other residents touring the Arua Value Addition Facility, located in Awindir ward, Central division, Arua city.
