20+ Years of Banana Innovation
From a pilot project to Africa's leading banana R&D centre — the BIRDC story is one of vision, science, and unwavering commitment to Uganda's farmers.
Our Vision
To be the global leader in banana-based industrial research, transforming Uganda's most abundant crop into world-class products that nourish communities and create sustainable livelihoods.
Our Mission
To provide cutting-edge technical and scientific R&D in sustainable banana production, value addition, and product quality assurance — empowering farmers and building a zero-waste circular economy.
From PIBID to BIRDC
In 2005, the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) was established to explore the vast untapped potential of Uganda's banana crop. What began as a government research pilot rapidly evolved into a full-scale agro-industrial enterprise.
Today, the Banana Industrial Research and Development Center (BIRDC) operates a semi-automated processing factory in Bushenyi, capable of transforming 14 tonnes of fresh matooke daily into premium, shelf-stable products.
Under the leadership of Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga, a Professor of Food Science and Technology and the world's leading researcher 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 leading researcher on the green banana of East Africa, Rev. Prof. Muranga has dedicated her career to unlocking the industrial potential of Uganda's banana.
Under her visionary leadership, BIRDC has grown from a pilot initiative into a nationally significant agro-industrial research centre 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
Scientific Excellence
Rigorous, internationally validated research underpins everything we produce.
Sustainability
Zero-waste circular economy model from banana stem to fibre paper.
Farmer Empowerment
Technology transfer and hands-on training to uplift smallholder communities.
Quality Assurance
Products tested to international standards in Germany and France.
Innovation
20+ years of continuous R&D pushing the boundaries of banana science.
Partnership
Collaborative relationships from local farmers to global distributors.