The President was receiving a report on the status of the Banana project from PIBID officials led by the Director Dr. Florence Muranga at State House, Nakasero. Dr. Muranga informed President Museveni that they are now using the waste to make biogas for production of energy for the project. She added that the Bushenyi based enterprise is to build capacity for farmers to employ modern production techniques. Dr. Muranga also revealed that they are making progress in the characterization of matooke starch for production of pharmaceuticals. Other products made from bananas include matooke flour, bread and biscuits.
Those present included the Ministers of Trade and Industry, Kahinda Otafiire, of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Omara Atubo and the Minister for Presidency Mrs. Beatrice Wabudeya.
Others included the Minister of State for Planning, Professor Ephraim Kamuntu and that of Investment, Mr. Aston Kajara.
Uganda launches banana development project (8th October 2005)
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has launched the Management Committee of the Presidential Initiative for Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) at a ceremony in Kampala, according to a press release issued on Saturday by the State House.
The PIBID is aimed at research, development and adding value on local banana. The east African country is the second largest producer of bananas in the world after India. The nation currently produces 8.6 million tons of the crop per year, which accounts for 30 percent of the world total.
President Yoweri Museveni has commended officials of the 
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has launched the Management Committee of the