Defence Minister Oboth Launches NEC-WATU Automobile Filters and Air Cleaners Factory  

The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA), Hon Jacob Oboth Oboth, on 31st January 2024, launched the NEC-WATU automobile filters and air cleaners at Mbale Industrial Park.

The Minister was received by the Managing Director of The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and the Chairman of NEC-WATU, Mr Liu Qingshan.

NEC-WATU is a Joint Venture between NEC and a Chinese Company -WATU established for the development and management of automobile-related industrial projects in Uganda.

Hon Oboth Oboth appreciated the partnership between NEC and WATU and observed that their innovation has made a big impact on the automobile sector in Uganda and the Government would be eager to see more of those innovations.

The Minister appreciated the growing friendship Uganda and China share that has given birth to so many market innovations.

Hon Oboth observed that the strategic partnership between the two countries has revolutionized and brought development closer to the people. He urged innovators to use that example as an inspiration that they could create work and bring in more investments.

The Minister commended the efforts of the investors in choosing Uganda as their home for businesses in Africa.

“Your belief in investing in Uganda is what keeps our country doing better. As a government, we are fully committed to supporting innovations in science and technology,” said Hon Oboth.

The Minister urged Ugandans to embrace BUBU.

On his part, Lt Gen James Mugira thanked the Minister for finding time off his busy schedule to come and grace the function of unveiling to the public one of the products of NEC’s Joint Ventures, NEC -WATU, the automobile filters and air cleaners.

Gen Mugira informed the Minister that the commissioning of Phase 1 filters was a big milestone in the history of the automobile industry in Uganda.

He thanked the partners, NEC-WATU for their willingness to work with NEC and share their experiences, technology and expertise and assured them of NEC’s reliability.