Alupo hails China-backed agro-industrial park for boosting agricultural transformation

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, carrying a Xinhua report from Luwero, reported that Vice President Jessica Alupo praised the China-Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park during an assessment visit with senior government officials. The tour took place in Luwero District, central Uganda, with article publication dated July 24, 2026, and a photo caption indicating the visit occurred on July 23. Alupo described the park as important to Uganda’s shift toward agro-processing and more commercial, higher-value agriculture.

According to the report, Alupo said the government sees targeted agro-industrialisation as central to economic transformation. She also commended the FAO-China-Uganda South-South Cooperation initiative, under which the Chinese private sector-led park was established, saying it has helped Uganda process agricultural products for export. She pledged continued government support through infrastructure improvements and policy measures intended to make the site more attractive for agro-industrial investment.

The park, which the report said is marking its 10th anniversary this year, includes pineapple canning, chili processing for supply of dried chilies to China, and a poultry operation producing eggs for local and regional markets. Alupo also pointed to potential benefits from China’s broader market-opening policies, including a zero-tariff arrangement for eligible exports.

Luo Heng, chairman of Kehong Uganda Industrial Development Limited, the Chinese company managing the park, said the first development phase began in 2016 and has been completed. He listed commercial layer farming, contract chili cultivation, pineapple processing and improved rice variety promotion among the projects. Luo said the park plans to invest $500 million over the next five years in a second phase.