2.1. History Colonial Period: Cotton was introduced in Uganda by the British Colonial Government in 1903 as the first cash crop (Mukiibi, 2001). By the mid 1930’s production reached 60,000 metric tonnes (MT) (Baffes, 2009).
Do cotton by-products contribute to Uganda’s economy?
Cotton by-products have the potential to contribute greatly to Uganda’s economy. A number of questions, however, need to be answered in order to realize this potential, including: Ugandan electricity tariffs are high by regional standards, at US$0.12/kWh. In July 2015, the GOU approved a tariff of US$0.05/kWh for textile mills. Q1.
Can existing companies produce cotton wool in Uganda?
At a cotton wool outturn of 86% and total installed capacity of 2,010 MT, existing companies can produce all the cotton wool needed in Uganda if barriers related to the development of cotton by-products in Uganda listed above are addressed. Figure 5 below illustrates the approximate potential yield and value of deriving cotton wool from lint.
Why did Uganda adopt a policy of promoting cotton farming?
Citing cotton’s relative price stability and historical economic significance, the new Government of Uganda (GOU) adopted a policy of promoting cotton farming (Chell, 2013). Exports for the newly independent Uganda relied heavily on coffee and cotton (Masinga M. Ruhweza A. 2007).
How are cotton ginneries made in Uganda?
Ginning: Cotton ginneries in Uganda are entirely dependent on supply from producers. Ginning is a highly specialized process whereby seed cotton is separated into cottonseed and cotton lint. The lint is cleaned, and finally pressed into bales.
What did Uganda export during the colonial era?
Exports for the newly independent Uganda relied heavily on coffee and cotton (Masinga M. Ruhweza A. 2007). Cooperatives and block farms, established near the end of the colonial period, expanded during the post-independence years as the cotton sector became increasingly nationalized.