Makerere University Business School (MUBS) today participated as a key stakeholder in a

high-level strategy review meeting organized by the Banana Industrial Research and Development

Centre (BIRDC), under the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID).

The engagement brought together leaders, policymakers, academia and private sector stakeholders

to review BIRDC’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and contribute to the development of a Country-Wide

Banana Sector Strategy for the period FY 2026/2027 to FY 2030/2031.

The delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Rachel Mindra Katoroogo, Ag. Deputy Principal, who

guided the institution’s contribution at this strategic engagement.

MUBS participated in the process, contributing its expertise as a leading business and management

institution, particularly in the areas of marketing, enterprise development, value chain optimization,

and commercialization of banana-based products.

BIRDC, established under PIBID in 2005 and led by Professor Florence Isabirye Muranga,

focuses on enhancing green banana (matooke) value addition and farmer empowerment. The

Centre plays a critical role in promoting export-driven industrialization through the production,

processing, and marketing of scientifically researched banana products, including flour, fibers, and

starches.

The stakeholder engagement adopted a two-way dialogue approach, emphasizing active

participation and knowledge exchange. Discussions focused on strengthening

agro-industrialization, improving product commercialization, expanding market access and

aligning sector strategies with Uganda’s broader development frameworks, including Vision 2040

and the National Development Plan IV.

MUBS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national development through research-driven

business solutions, particularly in advancing market-oriented strategies and sustainable enterprise

growth within Uganda’s agricultural value chains.

Signed by PRO MUBS