President Museveni Calls for Support for Investors Driving Uganda's Industrialization

By Kundu Ronald

Tororo District, Uganda - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, delivered a heartfelt message to the citizens of Uganda, particularly politicians and public servants, during an event held today in Tororo District. The occasion marked the inauguration of the new Tororo Cement vertical rolling mill plant and served as a platform for President Museveni to stress the pivotal role of investors in Uganda's pursuit of industrialization.

In his address, President Museveni underscored the importance of comprehending and bolstering investors, emphasizing that obstructing their endeavors would impede Uganda's progressive path toward industrialization. He implored, "Let us not squander their time. Wasting their time is counterproductive; we should assist them in progressing swiftly because we have everything to gain and nothing to lose."

The President's words extended beyond a plea for collaboration; they also recognized the substantial contributions that investors can make to the nation's development. He highlighted the significance of employment creation, stating, "This facility is not situated in India but in Uganda, providing employment opportunities for our citizens and utilizing our resources such as electricity and water. Even if the profits are repatriated, they represent only a fraction of the total earnings."

President Museveni took a moment to commend Mr. Hasmukh Kanji Patel, the Chairman of Tororo Cement Ltd, and his team for their substantial contributions to Uganda's economy. He emphasized the inaccuracy of considering these enterprises as exclusively Indian-owned, asserting, "We should cease referring to these as Indian-owned factories; they are Ugandan establishments, irrespective of their builders."

He provided further insight into the differentiation between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP), underlining that GDP reflects a nation's economic strength, regardless of the origin of investors. President Museveni articulated, "The tax revenue generated from these enterprises does not flow to India; it enriches our own economy."

Additionally, the President pledged the government's support by promising the provision of electricity to Katikekire in Moroto and granting Tororo Cement Ltd mining rights for limestone to facilitate their business activities in the region.

While celebrating Tororo Cement Ltd's accomplishments, President Museveni also acknowledged the historical context of Africa's economic development, emphasizing that the continent had "missed the bus of history" in previous eras. He challenged Ugandans to catch up, delineating four fundamental sectors for rapid advancement: agriculture, industries, services, and information and communication technology (ICT).

Directing his remarks to the inhabitants of Bukedi, the President reiterated his call for them to adopt the four-acre model to effectively combat poverty. He encouraged diversification in agricultural practices and cautioned against aimless farming, declaring, "I will revisit this issue; many have cultivated without a strategic plan. To derive substantial income from crops, one acre should be dedicated to coffee, another to fruits like mangoes, oranges, and pineapples, a third to pasture for zero-grazing cows, and the fourth to food crops like cassava. In areas with nearby swamps, fish farming should be considered, while in the backyard, poultry can be raised for eggs."

In addition to the assurances of support and encouragement for industrialization, President Museveni disclosed the government's intention to establish an Industrial Park in the Bukedi subregion.

First Lady Maama Janet Museveni expressed her appreciation to Tororo Cement Ltd for their substantial contribution to Uganda's development. She also commended Chairman Patel and his team for their endeavors in constructing and renovating schools and places of worship across the nation.

Hon. Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, lauded Tororo Cement Ltd for generating employment opportunities, with 1,500 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs created in Uganda.

Chairman Patel conveyed his gratitude for President Museveni's backing and blessings, which have enabled their business to prosper over the past 28 years. He shared the company's ambitious plans for expansion, including the installation of a 300-tonne per hour clinker grinder, a testament to Tororo Cement Ltd's unwavering commitment to Uganda's economic advancement.

The event witnessed the presence of numerous government officials, including the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Monica Musenero; the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja; the Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyn Anite, in addition to members of Parliament, diplomats, religious leaders, and cultural representatives.