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Uganda Industrial Research Institute - A lead agency of industrialization in Uganda
UIRI

Technical section

Bamboo Unit

Bamboo Unit develops bamboo value-addition technologies, supports bamboo processing, and promotes product diversification, technology transfer and commercialization.

Section profile

Adding value to Uganda's bamboo potential

For a long time in Uganda, bamboo was mainly viewed as a tall grass plant suitable for house construction and simple furniture making.

Since 2004, UIRI has been exploring how to add value to this widely available but underused local resource.

Technology development

Bamboo toothpick production

Determined to tap into Uganda's bamboo potential, UIRI collaborated with the China Bamboo Research Centre in 2005 to explore the possibility of manufacturing bamboo toothpicks.

The production line was installed and commissioned on 19 December 2007 and has been producing high-quality toothpicks for commercialization.

Plans are underway to relocate the bamboo toothpick production line to Kabale, where the raw material is collected.

Product opportunities

Bamboo products beyond toothpicks

Although the processing line is currently producing toothpicks, several other bamboo products can be made from it.

The processing plant has also created a market for bamboo growers in areas such as Kabale, Kisoro, Mbale, Kitgum, Moyo, Nebbi and Rwenzori.

  • Bamboo floor tiles
  • Curtains and mats
  • Baskets and desk organizers
  • Table cloths and lamp shades
  • Handicrafts and matchboxes
  • Toothpick dispensers
  • Shawls, handbags and souvenirs
  • Cups and trinkets

Kabale production line

Expected benefits of relocation

Once relocated to Kabale, the bamboo production line is expected to support supply continuity, training, product diversification and technology transfer.

  • Establishment and continuity of an out-grower scheme to ensure continuous bamboo supply to the processing facility
  • Training farmers on better bamboo plantation management
  • Training communities on bamboo processing technologies beyond toothpick technology
  • Diversification of the bamboo product line
  • Transfer of bamboo technologies to other bamboo-growing areas such as Arua, Kitgum and Mbale

Ongoing projects

Current bamboo processing work

The Bamboo Unit continues to advance bamboo processing through production trials, market testing, equipment replication and installation work.

  • Trial production of toothpicks from other bamboo species found in Mukono
  • Market testing of processed bamboo toothpicks
  • Replication of bamboo processing equipment
  • Installation of the Kabale bamboo processing line

Planned activities

Commercialization, deployment and advanced products

Planned activities focus on commercialization, technology deployment and higher-value bamboo products.

  • Commercialization of bamboo toothpicks
  • Technology deployment
  • Technology transfer of bamboo mat and curtain products
  • Training in bamboo processing technologies
  • Research and development on high-end bamboo products such as bamboo vinegar and active charcoal