A new state-of-the-art grain facility in Kigumba shows how technology, partnership, and foresight can turn climate pressure into agricultural progress.
Across Africa, shifting weather patterns are reshaping how we think about food security. Shorter growing seasons, unpredictable rainfall and rising post-harvest losses continue to test how African nations feed their communities and protect their economies.
In Uganda, these pressures are particularly evident. The country loses around 18% of its grain annually, roughly 2.8 million tonnes. Fortunately, a new wave of technological innovation is providing a clear solution.
Our partnership with Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) is redefining what it means to build resilience, fight against widespread climate changes and secure the country’s agricultural future.
A Vision for National Self-Sufficiency
Established under the National Enterprise Act of 1989, NEC produces and provides goods and services for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and the wider public.
Aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040, NEC is driving national self-sufficiency and economic transformation through sustainable enterprise.
Through its NEC Agro SMC subsidiary, the organisation identified a critical gap: the absence of modern grain drying and storage infrastructure.
In partnership with Cimbria, NEC delivered a state-of-the-art facility in Kigumba, 200 km north of Kampala — a project that represents innovation, collaboration and a shared vision for Uganda’s food security goals.
Turning Climate Pressure into Progress
Uganda’s harvest cycles are growing shorter as rains arrive earlier, forcing farmers to harvest grain with dangerously high moisture levels.
Without access to proper drying facilities, post-harvest losses from spoilage, microbial growth, and mycotoxin contamination have become common and costly, leaving grain unsafe for consumption and reducing its market value.
The new Cimbria-equipped drying and storage plant enables NEC to harvest, clean, dry, and safely store maize in record time. It marks a shift from reactive to proactive — from losing grain to preserving value.
“Storage facilities in this area were scarce. We are excited about the initiative and plan to engage NEC for cleaning and drying services from our farms.” – Mr. Robert Tamare, Asili Farms.
A Solution — Together
The project began in 2019 with extensive discussions and design refinements to meet NEC’s requirements, following our Solutions Together approach.
This philosophy embodies our integrated way of working, combining expert planning, 3D design, installation, and aftercare. Each project is managed by a dedicated team, ensuring seamless delivery and ongoing support, giving customers confidence from concept to completion — and beyond.
Installed in 2025, the facility delivers industrial precision in maize handling. It features a 30 tph intake and cleaning section, a 15 tph drying section, and three 2,000 MT silos, fully dedicated to maize processing and seamlessly connected to a maize mill via a sophisticated belt conveying system.
The project includes the following Cimbria equipment:
- Belt Conveyors GT400
- Bucket Elevators EC8
- Pre-cleaner Delta 143.1
- Continuous Dryer BEG10
- Cimbria Temperature Monitoring System
- Aspirator Cleaner CR163-04
- Associated accessories and connecting items, including grain pipes
The plant layout also anticipates future growth, with space for an additional line and three 3,000 MT silos, ensuring NEC’s investment can scale alongside demand.
“In our quest to get the best, quality comes first. We wanted equipment that will serve the enterprise long after I am gone. That is why we chose Cimbria as our preferred supplier.” – Simon Terwane, Managing Director, NEC Agro SMC Ltd.
A Strategic Partnership for Regional Trade
The Kigumba project is one of three installations along the Kampala–Gulu corridor, a vital route linking Uganda’s agricultural heartland, with markets in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Together, these facilities form a network designed to strengthen grain trade and ensure supply chain resilience across East Africa.
Impact on Local Communities and Farmers
Together with NEC, we are now set to play a pivotal role in transforming maize production in Western and Northern Uganda.
Located near Masindi district, which is one of the country’s top maize-producing regions, this Kigumba facility gives neighbouring farmers access to advanced drying and storage solutions, reducing transport costs, minimising post-harvest losses and preserving grain quality.
By combining our cutting-edge technology with NEC’s strategic local expertise, the facility exemplifies how innovation, partnership, and foresight can drive regional food security, support farming communities and drive sustainable economic growth.
