By Publicist East Africa Editorial Desk
Uganda is richly blessed with agricultural abundance from coffee fields in the hills of Elgon to sugarcane plantations in Kakira, dairy farms in Mbarara, and fish from the depths of Lake Victoria.
Yet, for decades, the country’s agricultural economy has remained trapped at the primary production level. The big question remains: Are we profiting enough from what we produce?
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Stanbic Bank Uganda, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), will host the Consumer Thought Leadership Conference at the Kampala Serena Conference Centre, with one of the most anticipated sessions focusing squarely on Value Addition in the Agro-Value Chain.
Unpacking the Agro-Industrial Potential
Agricultural commodities, when exported raw, yield only a fraction of their market potential. Coffee, for instance, earns Uganda far less than countries that process and brand it for international markets. The same is true for dairy, sugar, cocoa, and fish.
The panel on value addition, moderated by Mr. James Karama, Head of Client Coverage at Stanbic Bank, will bring together some of Uganda’s most respected business leaders who are already redefining the country’s agro-industrial frontier.
Meet the Panelists Driving Uganda’s Industrial Pivot;
Mwine Jim Kabeho – Executive Director, Madhvani Group
A stalwart of Uganda’s sugar industry, Kabeho brings decades of experience in processing and diversification. From ethanol and bagasse to electricity co-generation and packaging, his insights will illustrate why sugar is more than just a sweetener, it’s a critical node in the industrial ecosystem.
Dr. Ian Clarke – Executive Chairman, Clarke Group
Best known for his contributions to health, education and social enterprise, Dr. Clarke is also deeply invested in coffee and cocoa processing. His venture into value-added exports seeks to create premium Ugandan-branded products for international markets. He will speak on the power of storytelling, branding, and processing in lifting Uganda’s global agricultural footprint.
James Mugeni – Head of Finance, Mulwana Group
Representing Uganda’s foremost dairy processor, Mugeni will delve into the evolution of the dairy sector; from raw milk sales to yoghurt, cheese, butter, and long-life milk. He will highlight how institutional investment and efficient logistics are key to profitability and farmer empowerment.
Eric De Vaan – CEO, Yalelo Uganda
In the fisheries sub-sector, De Vaan will share lessons from value chain management, cold chain infrastructure, and export certification. His session will tackle Uganda’s potential to become a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture exports.
Why Value Addition Matters Especially for Stanbic WYF
The Stanbic Women, Youth, and Farmers (WYF) Agenda places great emphasis on moving Uganda from production to productivity. Value addition is the bridge between growing food and growing an economy.
“We cannot build wealth by exporting raw potential,” notes Ms. Felista Lugalambi Lutalo, Executive Vice President, Consumer, Stanbic Bank Uganda.
“Through the WYF agenda, we are empowering farmers, women cooperatives, and youth-run agribusinesses to engage in processing, packaging, branding, and marketing; where real margins lie,” she adds.
She explains that for women and youth-led agribusinesses, this means support in acquiring processing tools, connecting to markets, and financial models tailored to their scale and ambition.
Export Competitiveness Begins with Local Processing
Uganda’s export earnings can multiply significantly through localised agro-processing hubs. Countries like Vietnam and Brazil have demonstrated that processing and packaging agricultural goods for international consumers can transform entire economies.
The Stanbic Consumer Conference panel will explore how Uganda can create agro-processing parks, offer tax incentives, and leverage PPP models to scale value addition and reduce post-harvest losses.
Roadmap to Industrialisation, Ugandan-Style
The Stanbic Bank Consumer Thought Leadership Conference is not just bringing thought leaders; it is spotlighting doers. The value addition panel will challenge perceptions, offer practical models, and ignite a fresh commitment to agro-industrial growth.
This is because for Uganda to win, farming must not end at the harvest. It must continue into factories, warehouses, shelves, and markets. That is where the real wealth lies.
From farm to factory to fortune, Uganda’s transformation is in motion.