Kamuli — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni on Thursday commissioned the DEI Group Advanced Agro-Processing Park and a new starch manufacturing plant in Busambo, Namasagali, marking a major boost to Uganda’s agro-industrialisation drive.
The US$50 million cassava starch processing plant, developed by Dr Matthias Magoola of Dei BioPharma Ltd —phase one of a larger industrial complex—will produce starch, glucose, maltose, and fructose, critical inputs long imported for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The factory is expected to generate more than 40,000 jobs, offer a ready market for cassava farmers, cut import bills, and enhance Uganda’s pharmaceutical self-reliance.
Museveni praised the initiative but warned small landholders against jumping into cassava production without assessing profitability, noting past mistakes in sugarcane farming.
Museveni praised the project’s proprietor, Mr Matthias Magoola, for what he described as unwavering innovation and resilience.
“I congratulate Mr Magoola for his innovation and resilience,” the President said. “From his early work in Matuuga on malaria remedies rooted in our ancient knowledge, to the vibrant progress we see today, he continues to make a real contribution to Uganda’s wealth creation journey.”
President Museveni extended gratitude to the project’s international partners. “I also thank the partners, including our friends from the United States, who are supporting these efforts,” he said.
During the event, the President also officiated at the flagging off of the first container of Ugandan chilli destined for export to China, describing it as a major step toward diversifying Uganda’s export markets.
“I congratulate the People’s Republic of China for its long-standing cooperation with Africa since 1949,” he said. “Together, we have today flagged off the first container of Ugandan chilli for export to China, another milestone in our march to prosperity.”
Museveni Urges Busoga to Renew NRM Mandate
Speaking at a massive campaign rally at Bupadhengo Primary School grounds in Kamuli District, Museveni urged Ugandans—particularly the people of Busoga—to renew the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s mandate in the 2026 general elections, saying the party’s “seven factual contributions to Uganda’s house” should guide voters’ decisions.
The President emphasised peace, development, wealth, and jobs as four of the seven achievements the NRM has delivered since taking power in 1986. He called on voters to base their decisions on evidence, not political rhetoric.
“Support NRM because of what it has done on the ground,” Museveni said. “When somebody asks why you’re supporting NRM, tell them the NRM has already made contributions to Uganda’s house.”
He dismissed the opposition as lacking any tangible achievements. “Those who are against NRM—what contribution have you made to Uganda? They don’t have a single one,” he said, urging residents not to be swayed by “negative voices.”
Industrial Parks and Jobs
Museveni expressed satisfaction that communities are now prioritising land for industrial parks, citing the Namasagali Industrial Park as a key driver of job creation. He said Uganda’s factories currently employ about 1.3 million people, triple the total number of government jobs (480,000). He highlighted the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park, with over 75 factories, as evidence of successful NRM-led industrialisation.
He also pointed to the example of Basangwa Johnson, a poultry farmer from Kamuli, who now employs 300 people. Museveni used Basangwa’s story to emphasise the value of household enterprises over political contests.
Peace as the First Achievement
The President reminded supporters that NRM’s biggest contribution remains the restoration of peace and security. He revisited Uganda’s violent past—from the 1966 crisis to the Amin era and post-Amin conflict—contrasting it with what he called the current nationwide stability.
“That’s contribution number one—peace, and it is factual,” he said.
Museveni also cited infrastructure development—roads, electricity, telecommunications, schools, and hospitals—as the second major contribution. He announced several upcoming road projects whose funding he said is already secured, including: Jinja–Budondo–Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu, 10 km of Jinja City roads, Iganga–Buloopa–Kamuli and Kamuli–Kaliro–Namwiwa–Pallisa.
He said improved road networks would boost agriculture, trade, and industry across Busoga.
Household Wealth Creation
For the NRM’s third major achievement, Museveni pointed to household wealth creation. He cautioned small landowners against copying large-scale farmers and reiterated the 4-acre model, first introduced in the 1996 manifesto, which encourages diversified farming—including coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, piggery, and fish.
He once again used farmer Basangwa Johnson as an example, noting how he expanded from 500 chickens on a small plot to earning about Shs 20 million per day from eggs.
Maama Janet thanked Busoga residents for turning out in large numbers and encouraged them to mobilise their neighbours and friends ahead of the elections. “Vote for NRM, and Uganda will build strong pillars of government. Education will become better by the year,” she said, drawing loud applause.
Senior party leaders—including NRM First National Vice Chairman Alhajji Moses Kigongo, First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Kadaga, and Kamuli NRM Chairperson Matthew Bazanya—also addressed the rally. Kigongo stressed discipline as key to political victory, while Kadaga urged Busoga to deliver a decisive win for the NRM.
