PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS NEW TEMBO STEELS PLANT IN IGANGA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today presided over the commissioning of a new Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant at Tembo Steels in Kasolo Village, Bulamagi Sub-County, Iganga District. The new facility marks a major milestone in Uganda’s industrialization journey, with Tembo Steels reaffirming its position as a key player in the country’s steel industry. Established in 2004, Tembo Steels has grown into a major manufacturing hub, producing steel, oxygen cylinders, and nitrogen. The company sources its raw materials locally, significantly contributing to Uganda’s economy and creating over one million jobs for Ugandans. During his remarks, President Museveni commended the Chairman of Tembo Industries for the transformative impact the company has had on Uganda’s economy. He emphasized the importance of locally integrated industries, stating that such initiatives save the country from the “hemorrhage of resources.” He further noted Uganda’s rich iron ore reserves, particularly in Kabale, as a vital resource for the steel industry. “The government is committed to ensuring affordable electricity for manufacturers, targeting a rate of 5 cents per unit. This will boost industrial productivity and competitiveness,” President Museveni said. Hon. Lukia Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for prioritizing development in the Busoga sub-region. She highlighted the new plant as a beacon of hope for economic growth in the area. Mr. Manish, the General Manager of Tembo Steels, hailed the launch of the second plant as a significant achievement. “This milestone represents our unwavering commitment to growing Uganda’s economy. With the addition of this plant, we anticipate a substantial boost to the country’s industrial output,” he said. The event was attended by a number of high-profile figures, including government ministers, members of parliament, religious leaders, investors, and local officials.

2025-01-26

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES MUBENDE RESIDENTS TO PRIORITIZE HOMESTEAD INCOME

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the people of Mubende District to prioritize generating homestead income, emphasizing that other developments, such as tarmac roads and electricity, will follow. He made the remarks today during the 39th anniversary celebration of the NRM/A liberation struggle, held under the theme, “Salutations to Those Who Re-Sanctified Our Homeland”, at Mubende National Teachers’ College, Mubende District. President Museveni was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni. He assured the people of Mubende that poverty eradication is achievable through embracing government programs designed to improve livelihoods. He highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a key initiative to empower communities, explaining that the funds provided at the Parish level serve as capital to uplift households economically. The President also promised that beneficiaries of PDM funds will not incur bank charges, as the government will cover those costs. On the other hand, President Museveni reminded leaders of their responsibility to understand the needs of their communities, urging them to take note of the number of homesteads in their respective villages. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between development and wealth creation, pointing out that infrastructure such as tarmac roads, electricity, and healthcare services are vital but cannot directly lift people out of poverty. Reflecting on Uganda’s economic journey, the President acknowledged the role of Mubende, Luweero, and Rwenzori in supporting the liberation struggle from 1981 to 1986. He noted that, post-independence, only 9% of Ugandans were engaged in the money economy, with the rest relying on subsistence farming. This trend was exacerbated during Idi Amin’s regime. However, he explained that significant progress has been made since then, with Uganda now advancing into the money economy and even venturing into automobile manufacturing, such as the Kiira Motors in Jinja. The President shared that in 2013, only 32% of Ugandans were participating in the money economy. To address this, Operation Wealth Creation was introduced to provide seedlings, livestock, and other resources to communities. However, after challenges arose, the government shifted its focus to the PDM, which allocates UGX 100 million annually to every parish. Beneficiaries receive loans to engage in income-generating activities, such as the four-acre farming model, which includes coffee, fruits, pasture for dairy cattle, food crops, and backyard projects like poultry or piggery. President Museveni shared testimonies from successful PDM beneficiaries, including Mr. Ijara Martin from Serere, who demonstrated how the program is transforming lives. He reiterated that PDM is tailored to benefit households with small pieces of land and encouraged residents to maximize its opportunities. Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency, praised President Museveni’s leadership, highlighting his patience and management skills as key to the success of the liberation struggle and the country’s development. At the same event, 61 persons were awarded for their exceptional contribution towards the development of Uganda. The commemoration was attended by several dignitaries, including the Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister, Rt.Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, NRM First National Vice Chairman Alhaji Moses Kigongo, NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, ministers, Members of Parliament, local and religious leaders. This celebration of the NRM/A anniversary not only marked 39 years of liberation but also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity for all Ugandans.

2025-01-26

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO SET UP LOAN SCHEMES FOR BODA BODAS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said he is going to set up loan schemes for boda boda riders, with an intent of saving them from exploitation by private companies giving out boda bodas on loan. “I'm going to set up loan schemes for you boda bodas per zone like Busoga. I don't want to hear our children in the boda boda sector going to those people who are greedy for money, “he said. The President made the remarks today while addressing a boda boda mega rally in Iganga District. The rally was organized by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, Haji Faruk Kirunda. The President’s move followed a complaint from Mr. Eria Musoba, the Coordinator of Boda Boda Chairmen in Busoga Sub-region who reported to him that they were being exploited by companies which give out boda bodas on high interest loans. President Museveni assured the boda boda riders that he will support them by giving them good loans so that they are able to have their own boda bodas, earn money and improve their livelihoods. He however advised them to be versatile and diverse whereby they are able to take part in other income generating activities apart from boda bodas. “As you go into the boda boda business, you may face challenges in future. Recently, we repaired the train from Mukono to Nalukolongo. Now so many passengers have gone to that train and as it continues to expand, you may find boda bodas lacking passengers. People may shift to the train because it's cheaper and safer. Even this murdering happens because you are alone. I see that in the future, people may shift to train and city buses but there's no harm in taking advantage of it as long as it is there,” he said. “Be in boda bodas but also do other money generating activities. If changes come, your base is strong.” President Museveni also revealed that he was going to outlaw the exploitative tendencies of boda boda loan companies and money lenders. “Giving out Shs5 million and taking Shs 10 million is extortion, we are going to stop it, and we are going to outlaw it.” On the other hand, President Museveni thanked Haji Kirunda for alerting him about the problems being faced by boda boda riders in Busoga such as murder by motorcycle thieves and exploitation. “I want to thank Faruk Kirunda for highlighting this. You heard that when I got the information, I involved the police to investigate. I'm going to check and conclude that matter,” he said. “And as you know in Uganda, once you kill a Ugandan, you also qualify to die. The rest is to create evidence. I'm going to follow this matter and at some point, I will inform the country about this.” The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama thanked President Museveni for visiting Busoga and conducting a successful Parish Development Model (PDM) performance assessment tour in the subregion, aimed at spreading the wealth creation message to the citizens. On his part, Haji Kirunda informed the President that following his directive that he should work with the Director of Crime Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira regarding the challenges faced by boda boda riders in Busoga, they found out that all the boda boda riders who were murdered were riding motorcycles on loan and they were murdered when they were about to complete their loan payments. “Your Excellency, even the impounded boda bodas at police were given back to their owners as you directed except for a few which didn't have documentation,” he asserted. The Iganga Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Sauda Alibawo thanked President Museveni for the infrastructural development in Iganga District. She also thanked Haji Kirunda for the great mobilisation work he is doing in Busoga sub region. On behalf of the boda boda riders in Busoga sub region, Mr. Musoba thanked President Museveni for reducing the riding permit fees to Shs100,000. He however decried the additional charges imposed on them when they go to process the riding permit. “They ask you for a testing fee, temporary permit fee among other charges.” Additionally, Mr. Musoba reaffirmed that their colleagues with boda boda loans are being murdered as they close to finishing their full payments. “Your Excellency, we also have a problem of being murdered by unknown people. Our colleagues, especially those with boda boda loans have fallen victim. Many have been murdered when they are about to complete those loans. They hit you with a hammer and subsequently steal your motorcycle. These boda bodas given out on loan have tracking devices. We pray Your Excellency that you direct an investigation into the matter,” Mr. Musoba appealed. At the same rally, the boda boda riders endorsed President Museveni as the NRM sole candidate for the 2026 Presidential elections. The event was also attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, among other dignitaries.

2025-01-25

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MINERAL VALUE-ADDITION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting local mining and manufacturing investors, emphasizing the importance of value addition and industrial growth. “We are going to support manufacturers to ensure they can mine and process resources locally,” he said. The President made the remarks during the commissioning of the Abyssinia Steel Factory in Jinja, a facility he praised as a key player in Uganda’s journey toward industrialization. This event was part of President Museveni’s ongoing 4-day wealth creation and PDM performance assessment tour in Busoga sub-region which commenced on Wednesday this week. President Museveni emphasized the strategic significance of harnessing Uganda’s abundant natural resources to create jobs and boost economic growth. The President further commended Abyssinia Steel Factory for its remarkable contribution to Uganda's steel industry, describing it as a model of industrial transformation. “I want to congratulate you, Abyssinia Steel Factory for fulfilling your undertaking by building a complete factory. This is exactly the kind of industrial growth we want to see,” he said. Abyssinia Iron & Steel (Uganda) Ltd, located in Jinja District, is a subsidiary of the Abyssinia Group of Industries, one of East Africa's largest steel producers with an annual capacity exceeding 700,000 metric tons. President Museveni highlighted the exceptional quality of Uganda’s iron ore, positioning the country as a potential global leader in the steel industry if more emphasis is placed on value addition. He recalled a decision to temporarily allow the importation of sponge iron from Kenya to support Abyssinia Steel Factory’s initial development, applauding the company for staying true to its vision. Criticizing the previous practice of exporting raw materials like iron ore, the President said: “When you export raw materials, you are also exporting jobs and opportunities for our people. That’s why I stood firm and stopped the export of unprocessed iron ore.” He urged government agencies to expedite the development of industrial parks and streamline regulatory frameworks to create a more conducive environment for investors. “We shall give you all the support you need to succeed and grow,” he reassured. The President expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of investors in Uganda’s industrial sector, including those in steel and oil refinery industries, who are adding value to the country’s resources. President Museveni concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to fostering industrial transformation, noting that value addition, job creation and technological advancement are key to achieving sustainable development. On the other hand, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development lauded the President for his steadfast leadership and commitment to advancing mineral value addition in Uganda. Hon. Nankabirwa revealed that during a recent event in Saudi Arabia, she had the opportunity to discuss Uganda’s progress in the minerals sector, particularly highlighting the President’s directive to ban the exportation of unprocessed minerals. “You became the champion of Africa’s mineral value addition,” she noted, adding that the President’s vision positioned Uganda to host the continent’s first Africa Mineral Strategic Group meeting. “You were appreciated globally, and we celebrate you because this is your achievement,” she said. The minister emphasized the growing global focus on critical minerals, which are now central to discussions around sustainable development. She pledged to build consensus on identifying and safeguarding Uganda’s critical minerals. “We shall be expanding further on what these critical minerals are in Uganda so that we can guard them jealously,” she stated. Hon. Nankabirwa also called out companies holding mineral exploration licenses without meaningful activity, urging them to take action or risk having their licenses revoked. “We have cancelled licenses for companies that are not serious. We want to give these licenses to companies that are committed to adding value to our resources,” she asserted. She concluded by thanking President Museveni for ensuring the peace and stability that Uganda enjoys. “Without peace and stability, we cannot sit here and plan,” she remarked, emphasizing the foundation these provide for the country’s economic progress. The CEO of Abyssinia Group of Industries, Mr. Jateen Patel described the launch of their new integrated steel plant in Uganda as the beginning of a transformative chapter for the country’s steel industry. Reflecting on his family’s journey, Mr. Patel recounted the humble beginnings of his grandfather, who arrived in Uganda in the 1950s as a small businessman. “In 1971, my father dared to dream of building a future through steel. Against all odds, his determination and vision shaped what this company is today. His legacy is not just ours as a family, it's a vision we have embraced to transform lives and economies,” he remarked. Abyssinia Group began its journey in Uganda in 2010, initially focusing on mining in Kabale and exporting iron ore to Kenya. “By 2022, inspired by the vision of Uganda’s leadership, the company made a bold commitment to invest directly in Uganda. We acquired a dominant iron ore processing facility in Jinja, and in January 2024, construction of their integrated steel plant commenced,” he said. “Remarkably, by October 2024 , just ten months later , the plant was operational.” He added that the facility has the capacity to produce 225,000 tonnes of billets annually, noting that the milestone was a testament to the conducive business environment and visionary leadership in Uganda. Currently, Mr. Patel said that Abyssinia Group employs 250 Ugandans directly at the Jinja plant and provides indirect employment to over 1,200 people in the region. “Our journey is not just about steel manufacturing; it’s about contributing to Uganda’s socio-economic development,” Mr. Patel emphasized. Mr. Patel highlighted the significance of the recently launched project, Uganda’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in facilitating the importation of raw materials and coal, which will enhance steel production and further support Uganda’s development agenda. He also pointed to Abyssinia Group’s commitment to supporting local communities through initiatives like building housing and infrastructure. The event was also attended by Rt. Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama: Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Francis Mwebesa: Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. David Bahati: State Minister for Trade, Hon. Evelyn Anite: State Minister for Investment and Privatization, Hon. Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Transport, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro: State Minister for Mineral Development, among others.

2025-01-24

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LAUNCHES JINJA AIRFIELD UPGRADING PROJECT, PAVING WAY FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today officially launched the construction works for upgrading the Jinja Airfield, a transformative project aimed at bolstering Uganda’s infrastructure, enhancing tourism and improving regional connectivity. The project will see the development of the airfield’s runway, taxiway, and apron into international standards. The upgrade, spearheaded by a joint venture between Gofar Investment and MJ Engineers and Contractors, commenced in 2024 and is set to be completed within 15 months. President Museveni emphasized the strategic importance of the project, highlighting Jinja’s potential as a transportation hub and a gateway for tourists. “Constructing and expanding the airfield is logical. It will enable tourists to reach their destinations on time and ease transportation for both people and goods,” he said. He noted the significant strides Uganda has made since 1986, transforming from a struggling economy with limited infrastructure to a dynamic nation on the path to industrialization. He outlined the government’s broader vision of rehabilitating and expanding airfields, railway stations, and even introducing water transport to reduce road congestion and accidents. Uganda is also building pipelines to Kenya and Tanzania to eliminate the need for transporting petroleum products by road, which contributes to accidents. President Museveni stressed the importance of air travel for high-value tourists who prefer swift journeys. He revealed plans to establish an international airport in Kidepo National Park to enhance access to Uganda’s pristine wildlife destinations. The President reaffirmed his support for Jinja’s airfield project, calling it a key step toward positioning Jinja as a critical link in the country’s transportation network. The Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister, appealed to the President for an additional 10 acres of land to further expand the airfield and accommodate the growing demands of an international airport. She noted that the people of Jinja have long dreamed of such an airport, and this project brings them closer to that vision. Hon. Fred Byamukama, State Minister for Works and Transport, emphasized the project’s potential to enhance tourism. He noted that tourists have faced challenges traveling from Kampala to Jinja by road and that this upgrade will significantly boost the tourism sector. The government has committed UGX 23 billion through the Ministry of Works and Transport to fund the airfield’s development. Hon. Byamukama assured Ugandans that the ministry is committed to ensuring the project’s timely and successful completion. The launch ceremony was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, Aviation Officers, Local and Religious leaders.

2025-01-24

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS DELEGATION FROM WHITE HOUSE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday 17th January, 2025 met a delegation from the White House at State Lodge, Nakasero. The delegation, accompanied by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Anita Among, comprised Dr. Rollan Roberts, the former US Presidential Candidate, Mr. David Woodruff, representing the Senate of West Virginia, and Mr. Siljander Mark Deli, the former Congressman and Ambassador. During the meeting, President Museveni and his guests discussed trade, infrastructure development as well as other areas of mutual interest between Uganda and the United States of America. In line with the new US Administration, the team assured President Museveni of strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations. President Museveni welcomed the delegation to Uganda and thanked them for the important visit. “It's a good initiative because we need dialogue to agree on a way forward. Sometimes there is a lack of discussion which has led to scattered positions,” he said. The President also revealed that the major mission of Africa is to socially and economically transform the continent from traditional economy to money economy and formulate the political federation of Africa. “In Uganda, we are now moving on the four sectors of commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT and in order to do this, we need a regional market because the internal market is not enough.” On the issue of political integration, President Museveni informed the delegation that the formulation of the East African Political Federation is underway which will in future be a centre of gravity for the African race. He also called on the delegation to identify core areas of capacity building that will help economies to grow such as trade, democracy, services like health and education, transport infrastructure, electricity, among others. On his part, Dr. Roberts agreed that Africa does not need handouts but basic fundamental advancement in infrastructure, a factor which he said is well received by President Donald Trump’s administration. “I think you are going to see a marked shift towards this direction which we both agree is the right way for Africa.” On the other hand, the delegation also invited President Museveni to the United States for a working visit this year, an invitation the President responded to in the affirmative.

2025-01-19