The production arm of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) has inaugurated the newly appointed members that will constitute the Board of Directors.
The event held at the NEC head offices in Industrial Area, Kampala was officiated by Minister of State for Defence in charge of General Duties, Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola.
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Minister called upon the new Board members to actively participate in expanding the enterprise from the traditional military hardware and explore other ventures in the field of agriculture, minor engineering works, among others.
NEC acts as a Holding Company for the following various subsidiaries including Luwero Industries Ltd, NEC Construction, Works and Engineering Ltd, NEC Tractor Project Ltd, NEC Tractor Hire Scheme Ltd, NEC Farm Katonga Ltd, NEC Uzima Ltd, NEC Pharmaceuticals Ltd as well as joint ventures like Kyoga Dynamics Ltd, Pro-Heli International Ltd and NEC-Tunasco Ltd.
Engola noted that NEC exists to avail opportunities for research in agriculture, mechanics and other social services.
He added that the defence ministry will continue helping NEC in terms of developing human resources and providing technical support.
The Managing Director NEC, Maj Gen James Mugira, pointed out that the biggest challenge facing NEC is limited funding from government and lack of skilled labor.
“NEC receives only Shs 2.2 billion as annual capitalization to cover all her subsidiaries,” he said.
The out-going Chairperson Bard of Directors Mrs. Beatrice Wabudeya appreciated the out-going team for a job well done by reviving the NEC Farm Katonga limited from a dormant subsidiary into an active one; ready to supply dairy products at a larger scale.
The new Chairperson, Lt Gen Joram Mugume, noted that NEC is at a point of take –off and called for more facilitation from the Defence Ministry to increase on its performance level. He promised to immediately embark on a program that will fulfill all NEC targets so as to improve on the welfare of citizens.
Other Board members are Maj Gen James Mugira, Maj Gen Fred Mugisha, Maj Gen Charles Otema Wanyi, Maj Gen Joseph Musanyufu, Maj Gen Peter Elwelu, Maj Gen Charles Lutaya and Prof Isaac Musasizi.
Prof Charles Kwesiga, Eng Samuel Ssenkungu, Mrs Beatrice Byaruhanga, Mr Francis Ngabirano Kahirita and Mr James Wokada and Mr. Mukombozi Daniel (Secretary) are also members.