Kabale University, UNDP, and UDB Advance Plans for KUBIC Launch: A Tripartite Push for Innovation, Skills, and Agribusiness

Kabale, Uganda – 7^th August 2025
In a significant move towards the operationalization of the Kabale University Business and Innovation Centre (KUBIC), partners from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Uganda Development Bank (UDB) joined Kabale University leadership for a high-level site visit. The visit marked a critical milestone in preparing for the official launch of KUBIC in the last week of October 2025, just ahead of the university’s graduation ceremony.

The site visit provided an opportunity to inspect the equipment procured under the grant given by UNDP, valued at USD 340,000, and to align stakeholders on the roadmap to activation. UNDP also reaffirmed its technical support, while UDB introduced a range of financial and non-financial services tailored to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness—especially for youth and women.

Welcoming the delegation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joy Kwesiga, provided a brief overview of Kabale University’s strategic vision. She underscored the university’s strong presence in the community and commitment to inclusive education, research, and innovation.

“Through UNDP, we are reminded that education is for everyone. Our staff are dedicated, innovative, and used to venturing into new territories. This innovation centre positions us for greater impact, more partnerships, and deeper engagement with the community,” the vice chancellor noted.

Kabale University, known for hosting Uganda’s largest population of mountain gorillas in its vicinity, is leveraging its unique geographical position to champion solutions in tourism, greentech, agriculture, and community-based development.

Ms. Berna Mugema UNDP’s Team Leader Inclusive Growth and Innovation, together with her collegue Ms. Harmony Jude Nabbale, UNDP’s Programme Analyst, commended Kabale University for its energy and commitment, calling the collaboration “a blueprint for partnerships that work.”

“Every time we visit, we’re inspired by the enthusiasm of the team. Kabale University exemplifies what a development partner should be; responsive, visionary, and rooted in community transformation.” Bena Mugema added.

She emphasized that Africa’s youthful population presents a massive opportunity for innovation and job creation. UNDP is supporting incubation hubs across the country, and Kabale is one of the leading institutions following Makerere. With support from other partners like MTN Uganda, which is donating 100 computers, and government ministries, the stage is set for KUBIC to emerge as a national model.

As part of the site visit, representatives from Uganda Development Bank shared the bank’s key focus areas, including agriculture, infrastructure, education, tourism, and science and technology. UDB is aligned with Uganda’s national development goals and aims to improve lives through affordable, patient capital and non-financial services.

Key highlights of UDB’s offerings include:

• Term loans up to 15 years with lending rates as low as 10% for agriculture, and a grace period of 3 years.
• Asset financing for items like tractors and agro-processing equipment.
• Trade finance for import-export operations.
• Equity financing for game-changing, high-impact projects where UDB can co-own and support startups until they are sustainable.
• Special products for women-led businesses—lower interest rates, fewer requirements, and a focus on addressing women’s essential needs.

UDB is also rolling out affordable student accommodation financing to support higher education institutions.

“We’re excited to work with Kabale University and build on what UNDP has already established. We see real potential in the potato value chain, which aligns with our focus on agriculture and local industry,” said UDB’s Steven Kakonge.

A key area of collaboration between the partners is the Irish potato value chain. In Uganda—especially in Kabale—potatoes are a major crop, but the market is dominated by non-standardized imports from Kenya. The Tripartite Program is seeking to change this.

With support from UNDP (technical and business advisory), UDB (financial products and incubation support), and Kabale University (research, training, and community engagement), the project aims to:

• Identify and onboard local farmer groups (30–50 members) into cooperatives.
• Provide access to quality seeds and agricultural training.
• Help farmers access markets through value addition and product standardization.
• Facilitate certification and compliance via collaboration with UNBS and URSB.
• Support commercialization through business development services.

This is expected to create a pipeline of high-quality produce, enable farmer financing, and support job creation, especially for youth and women in rural areas.

The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of priorities by the Steering and Operational Committees. With just a few months until the October launch, the university is fast-tracking:

• Critical staff recruitment, including graduate interns.
• Installation and orientation on new equipment.
• Finalization of M&E reporting frameworks.

“This is not just a building—it’s a catalyst for change,” said Prof. Abanis Turyahebwa who also doubles as the Principal Investigator of the KUBIC Project. “With continued collaboration and urgency, KUBIC will stand as a beacon of what innovation can look like in rural Uganda.”

The KUBIC partnership between Kabale University, UNDP, and UDB is a living example of how academia, development partners, and financial institutions can work together to solve real-world problems. As October approaches, the shared vision of empowering communities, transforming agriculture, and skilling youth is taking solid form, right from the heart of Kigezi.