13 November 2025, Kabale — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, Kabale University, and the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) have launched the Kabale University Business Incubation Centre (KABBIC), a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and agro-industrialization.

Officiated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, the launch marks a key step in positioning universities as drivers of inclusive economic growth. KABBIC will serve as a regional innovation hub, with the Potato Value Chain Programme as its flagship, aimed at boosting productivity, value addition, and market access for farmers in Kigezi and Elgon regions.

Professor Joy C. Kwesiga, Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, highlighted the value of the partnership and the university’s contribution to the hub’s infrastructure, emphasizing its role in linking research, innovation, and enterprise.

On her part, the UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor affirmed the Centre’s alignment with UNDP’s goal of building inclusive, innovation-led economies. She called for similar hubs nationwide, noting Uganda’s strong innovation potential, with over 1,200 startups—60% youth-led. “The Potato Value Chain Programme could benefit 150,000 farmers, create 10,000 jobs, and reduce import reliance.” She said.

The UDB Managing Director Dr. Patricia Ojangole reiterated UDB’s commitment to financing innovation and value addition, especially in agriculture. She emphasized support for SMEs, youth innovators, and cooperatives through affordable financing.

A Hub for Innovation and Inclusive Growth

KABBIC will feature modern training, research, and production facilities, including a potato crisp line. It will incubate agribusiness startups, cooperatives, and student innovators as part of the five-year UNDP–UDB–Kabale University Potato Value Chain Programme (2025–2030), which aims to:

• Strengthen agro-processing and value addition.
• Enhance climate-smart productivity and post-harvest handling.
• Improve access to finance for women, youth, and SMEs.
• Promote knowledge sharing and technology transfer.

Community Voice

Ms. Mauda Byampangyi, a potato producer from Kigezi, welcomed the Centre, citing its potential to improve yields, market access, and inspire youth to view farming as a viable business.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Kabale University:
Godfrey Sempungu, Head – Communication, Branding & Marketing Department
📧 gsempungu@kab.ac.ug | ☎️ +256 782 860259

UNDP Uganda:
Mr. Joel Akena, Partnerships and Communications Associate 
📧 joel.akena@undp.org | ☎️ +256 788 108 394

Uganda Development Bank:
Ms. Carol Asiimire, Corporate Affairs Manager
📧 casiimire@udbl.co.ug | ☎️ +256 312 355 500