Museveni commissions six new factories, Hotel

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Finance must Consult manufacturers on Policy issues - President

NAMANVE INDUSTRIAL PARK, MUKONO: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed officials from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to always consult with the Uganda manufacturers on the issue of policies because they are the ones on the frontline ‘we are not to impose ourselves on them.’

He also assured the manufactures of access to cheap power which will be delivered directly to the industrial parks.

The President was today speaking shortly after commissioning six factories including Tian Tang Mini Industries, Comfoam Trading and Manufacturing Concrete and Chemicals Factory, Crown Packing Factory, Picfare Group of Companies and also the new ultra-modern Kampala Nile Resort Hotel part of the Mada Group Hotels in Namanve Industrial Park

He warned the Ministry of Finance to stop imposing unnecessary taxes on investors. 

“Instead of imposing high taxes on manufacturers, discuss with them and agree. They are on the front line of the development of the country,” he said.

Speaking at Crown Packing Factory, the President was happy to note that the company total exports of its products are worth $48 million USD per year and also provides 75 jobs opportunities to Ugandans, which he said a reality of wealth creation.

He assured the investors that government will eliminate what he called ‘crooks’ who import goods that are already manufactured locally here and passing them off as BUBU.

Crown Packaging invested US$10million in 2019 and were allocated 3 acres of land by the Uganda Investment Authority, today they export 71% of their sales to Tanzania, Kenya and D.R Congo.

“Today, we as crown packaging are providing locally made crown corks to beer and beverage companies in Uganda as a true ambassador of BUBU,” Rajesh Chaplot the General manager said.

Speaking at launch of Picfare Group of Companies, the leading Printing and Manufacturer of office and School Stationery, the President was happy to note that the company employs 3500 Ugandans. 

He said that when Picfare group of companies was coming to Uganda for investment, it started as a small company dealing with textiles only, now it has expanded. 

He assured investors that Uganda was a safe investment destination. 

“Here, under NRM, there is no gambling. We are here for a longtime. You are here not to regret”, the President said.

On electricity transmission, the President assure investors that power supply will be directly connected from the power source to the consumer factories, industries or industrial parks in order to eliminate corrupt elements on the supply chain. 

It also brings down the cost of power to rate of 5 cents of American dollar or less per KW per hour. 

While speaking at Kampala Resort Hotel commissioning, the President said that while the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the services sector government has ensured that it protects its people from death.

“Our target is to vaccinate about 4.8 million people. We started with elders, teachers, security (Army and Police), health workers and people aged below 50 but with underlying health issues. We hope that in another one and a half months, we can relax and use masks,” he said.

The President said the industrial park can add value from services such as hotels, schools, health centres and a housing estate at the periphery for the factory works and their children for maximum productivity.

The Minister of State of Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyin Anite said that investors have supported the vision of industrialization of the country.

She assured the President that corruption has been reduced in investment sector. 

“No more practice of extorting money from investors. Corruption has stopped,” she said.

Hon. Anite said to date, 71 factories are operational in Namanve industrial park.  ENDS…