By Justice Munthali, Eliud Birachi & Jean Claude Rubyogo
Malnutrition in Uganda is not just a statistic—it’s a pressing crisis that impacts millions. According to the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey, nearly 33% of children under five are stunted, and 4% suffer from acute malnutrition. Despite the country’s agricultural wealth, food insecurity remains classified as “serious” by the 2022 Global Hunger Index.
Enter Yellow Star Produce and Food Processors, a trailblazer in Uganda’s agro-based food industry. In collaboration with the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) under the CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa, also known as the Ukama Ustawi, Yellow Star is unveiling a groundbreaking innovation: the Bean-Based Bio-Available Composite Flour. This nutrient-dense product is designed to support vulnerable groups—children, expectant mothers, and individuals with chronic illnesses—by meeting their essential nutritional needs. As a result, this initiative is not just a product launch, but a movement aimed at fostering a healthier, food-secure Uganda.
Final bean-based bioavailable product prototype
Why Choose Yellow Star’s Bean-Based Composite Flour?
Since 2024, Yellow Star Ltd has led Uganda’s food-processing industry, producing nutritious flours from locally sourced cereals, legumes, and tubers. Their diverse product range, including millet-cassava and soya-rice-oats flour, honey and peanut butter, reflects their commitment to health and well-being.
Yellow Star’s current food product portfolio
In addition to their legacy of quality, the Bean-Based Bio-Available Composite Flour, developed in collaboration with Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) Makerere University and the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) meets the highest nutritional standards, ensuring reliability and quality for consumers.
This innovative flour is also designed to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Rich in essential nutrients, it supports physical growth, boosts immunity, and provides sustained energy—making it an invaluable resource for families facing food insecurity and malnutrition.
Yellow Star’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in their production practices. With a high-standard facility and efficient supply chain, they ensure consistent quality and accessibility. By partnering with local farmers, Yellow Star promotes economic sustainability while minimizing environmental impact.
Additionally, the Bean-Based Composite Flour offers impressive nutritional benefits. According to the UIRI, each 100 grams of the flour contains 25g of protein for growth and repair, 64mg of iron to combat anemia, and 297 kcal for sustained energy. Ultimately, this flour is not just food, it’s a transformative source of nourishment designed to improve lives.
A Journey of Innovation and Impact
Yellow Star’s dedication to tackling Uganda’s malnutrition crisis is exemplified by how unique the development of its first Bean-Based Bio-Available Composite Flour is executed. This product was meticulously crafted using nutrient-rich ingredients such as biofortified beans, pumpkin flour, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and millet, which were selected not just for their nutritional value, but they were further processed to enhance digestibility, flavor, and nutrient absorption, addressing the specific dietary needs of vulnerable populations.
Prototyping and pilot plant testing at Yellow Star
The journey from concept to reality involved rigorous testing and optimization. Key milestones achieved during the pilot phase, and which continues to be perfected include:
- Moisture Control: Ensuring optimal moisture levels to maintain the product’s shelf stability and quality over time.
- Bio-Digestion Techniques: Refining processes to break down anti-nutritional factors, enhancing the bioavailability of essential nutrients.
- Advanced Milling and Mixing: Streamlining production to deliver consistent texture, flavor, and nutritional composition in every batch.
- Packaging and Distribution: Refining packaging and marketing strategies for wider distribution.
The result is more than just a flour—it’s a solution. Yellow Star has created a product that’s not only highly nutritious but also affordable, scalable, and suited to the tastes and preferences of Ugandan consumers. This flour stands as a testament to innovation driven by a purpose: to combat malnutrition and improve food security for those who need it most.
Be Part of the Change
Uganda’s battle against malnutrition is a collective responsibility. By choosing Yellow Star’s Bean-Based Bio-Available Composite Flour, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re investing in a brighter, healthier future for Uganda’s children and families. Your support helps drive the mission forward, bringing this life-changing product to communities that need it the most.
- Retailers: Partner with Yellow Star to bring this life-saving product closer to your community.
- Donors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Your support can help scale production and distribution to reach the remotest corners of Uganda and beyond.
- Consumers: Every purchase is an investment in the health and future of Uganda’s children and families.
- Government’s Role: As the backbone of national policy and development, the government plays an essential role in supporting initiatives like Yellow Star’s Bean-Based Bio-Available Composite Flour. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation, providing funding for research and infrastructure, and championing sustainable food systems, the government can amplify efforts to combat malnutrition and ensure that every Ugandan has access to affordable, nutritious food.
Together, we can make malnutrition a thing of the past.
Your Role in Building a Healthier Uganda
The time to act is now. Support Yellow Star in this mission to transform lives and create a food-secure Uganda. Follow our journey, and help us spread the word about this innovative, life-changing product.
Yellow Star’s Bean-Based Bio-Available Composite Flour: Building a Healthier Future, One Meal at a Time. Together, we can create a lasting impact, turning the tide against malnutrition and ensuring that every Ugandan has the chance to thrive.
For partnerships or more information, contact:
Justice Munthali
Senior Research Associate- Nutrition │ Crops for Nutrition and Health
Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Africa Hub – Malawi Office
P.O. Box 158, Chitedze Agricultural Research Station, Lilongwe
Email: J.Munthali@cgiar.org
Mobile: +265 (0) 991 267 997