In a timely academic field visit, fifteen postgraduate students from the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences of Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) conducted a crucial situational analysis of the currently non-operational Mpanga Tea Factory in Kabarole district on October 10, 2025. The study, led by Assistant Lecturer Moses Akugizibwe, revealed the significant economic impact of the facility’s closure and its potential for revival.
“With a processing capacity of 60,000 kilograms of green leaf per day and a substantial share capital of Uganda shillings 12 billion, this facility’s closure represents a major setback to the region’s economy,” emphasizes Akugizibwe.”
The factory previously employed 500 people directly, making it one of the largest employers in the district.”
Evelyn Kanyana, a postgraduate student offering Project Planning and Management, highlighted the facility’s impressive scale:
“A factory processing 60,000kg daily isn’t just a business but an economic engine, its revival could immediately restore 500 jobs and support thousands of farmers in the region,” she observed.
Masika Fatina another student noted letting this facility remain dormant is a huge economic loss. “Our study shows that with proper intervention, this investment could once again generate substantial returns for the region,” she remarked.
Francis Kariba, the Estates and Operational Officer, outlined the facility’s potential: “At full capacity, we could process over 1.8 million kilograms of tea monthly. This scale of operation would significantly impact Uganda’s tea export sector.”
General Manager Violet Kwezi emphasized the urgency: “With our installed capacity and existing infrastructure worth UGX 12 billion, we need stakeholder intervention to resume operations. Each day of closure means lost opportunities for hundreds of workers and thousands of farmers.”
Key Factory Statistics:
- Daily Processing Capacity: 60,000kg green leaf
- Direct Employment: 500 people
- Share Capital: UGX 12 billion
- Potential Monthly Output: 1.8 million kilograms
“The numbers speak for themselves,” noted Akugizibwe. “Reviving a facility of this magnitude would have immediate positive impacts on the regional economy.”
Public Relations and Marketing Unit
The Story is courtesy of Shaban Ainembabazi and Brens Willie Wambedde