Dutch Investor Signs Deal to Bolster Processing Plant in Uganda

Dutch fast food investor Thijs Boer has signed a deal to revitalize a potato processing plant in the Kigezi region of Uganda, writes the Daily Monitor.

Kisoro Potato Processing Industries Ltd., led by Tom Mugenga, and Thijs Boer, who operates Hollanda Fair Foods, the producer of the Winnaz chips, have agreed on the terms via a Memorandum of Understanding.

According to Boer who was cited by the report, the goal is to upgrade the processing line, sign agreements with farmers in Kisoro to grow suitable potato chips varieties for the industry and finally sell the high-quality products in Kampala and other major cities.

Boer is said to also be committed to helping farmers to improve their livelihoods, by providing access to finances and a better market price, among others.

Kisoro is reportedly one of Uganda’s biggest producers of Irish potatoes, which are mainly grown in some Western and Eastern parts of Uganda.

The plant can currently process about 20 tons of Irish potatoes per week, but under the new deal, it will be able to handle an improved 30 tons per week, which translates into 1,440 tons annually.