From PIBID to BIRDC
BIRDC grew from a public banana industrialisation initiative into a Uganda institution for food science, Tooke processing, farmer training, and market development.
Our Vision
A banana research and business development centre for value-added products from Uganda.
Our Mission
To support farmer-focused banana industrial development through practical research, processing, training, and public-private partnerships.
From PIBID to BIRDC
In 2005, the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) was established to advance banana research and industrial uses for Uganda's banana crop. That government-backed matooke research programme became the foundation for BIRDC.
Today, the Banana Industrial Research and Development Center (BIRDC) operates a semi-automated banana processing factory in Bushenyi, with a stated capacity of 140 tonnes of fresh matooke daily for banana flour, banana flour, and shelf-stable matooke products.
Under the leadership of Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga, a Professor of Food Science and Technology, BIRDC has built local, East African, European, and Middle Eastern market pathways for banana-based products.
BIRDC's public mandate is tied to Uganda's banana industrialisation agenda.
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, Rev. Prof. Muranga has dedicated her career to banana research and the industrial and commercial use of Uganda's green banana.
Under her leadership, BIRDC has grown from a pilot initiative into a nationally significant agro-processing institution with international market exposure.
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.