20+ Years of Banana Innovation
From a pilot project to Africa's premier banana processing and innovation company — the BIRDC story is one of vision, banana research, and unwavering commitment to Uganda's banana farmers and banana flour innovation.
Our Vision
A state-of-the-art banana research and competitive business development centre for value added products.
Our Mission
To be the centre of excellence for farmer focused banana industrial development through strategic public-private-partnerships (PPP).
From PIBID to BIRDC
In 2005, the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) was established to advance banana research and explore the vast untapped potential of Uganda's banana crop. What began as a government-backed matooke research programme rapidly evolved into a full-scale agro-industrial enterprise.
Today, the Banana Industrial Research and Development Center (BIRDC) operates a semi-automated banana processing factory in Bushenyi, capable of transforming 14 tonnes of fresh matooke daily into premium banana flour, banana powder, and shelf-stable matooke products.
Under the leadership of Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga, a Professor of Food Science and Technology and the world's foremost expert on the green banana of East Africa, BIRDC has grown to serve local, East African, European, and Middle Eastern markets.
Presidential patronage underscores BIRDC's national importance
The Official Launch
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero launches the BIRDC Commercialisation of the Banana Value Chain
Our Director General
Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga
Director General, BIRDC
A Professor of Food Science and Technology and the world's foremost expert on the green banana of East Africa, Rev. Prof. Muranga has dedicated her career to banana research and unlocking the industrial and commercial potential of Uganda's banana.
Under her visionary leadership, BIRDC has grown from a pilot initiative into a nationally significant agro-processing company with international reach.
Her pioneering work in food science has established the scientific foundation for the Tooke brand and the entire banana value chain in Uganda.
Core Values
Integrity & Accountability
We respect humanity and act with integrity, ethics and accountability.
Strong Partnerships
We build and nurture strong stakeholder partnerships.
Ownership & Responsibility
We imbibe ownership and responsibility.
Passion for Success
We exude a passion for individual and collective success, recognition and reward.
Team Spirit
We encourage team spirit and nurture team development.