President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded the Mehta Group for its pioneering role in Uganda’s sugar industry and its continued contribution to the country’s economic development.
Speaking during the centenary celebrations of the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd (SCOUL) on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Lugazi Municipality, President Museveni commended the group’s resilience, noting that its perseverance, even after the challenges of Idi Amin’s regime, was commendable.
“I thank Mahendra Mehta and his wife for not giving up after the disappointment of Idi Amin. When we called them back, they returned immediately,” Museveni said, alongside First Lady and Education Minister, Janet Museveni.
SCOUL, Uganda’s first sugar factory, was founded in 1924 by the late Nanji Kalidas Mehta. Reflecting on the company’s 100-year history, Museveni congratulated the Mehta family for their long-standing contribution to the country.
“On behalf of Uganda and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), I want to thank and congratulate the Mehta family. First, for pioneering the sugar industry in 1924, and second, for the contributions of Mzee Mehta, who has been involved with the company for 72 years,” Museveni stated.
The President also highlighted Mahendra Mehta’s loyalty to Uganda, sharing how, despite being stranded in London during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mehta was determined to return to Uganda, which led to a special permit being issued for his return.
Museveni attributed Uganda’s economic progress to NRM’s correct ideology and policies, which have allowed the private sector to thrive.
He credited the return of properties to expelled Asians as one of the crucial decisions that encouraged further investment.
“The Mehtas are producing sugar, cables, 16 megawatts of electricity from biogas, ethanol, biofertilizers, and roses. This shows the depth of their contribution to Uganda’s economy,” he said.
The President also directed that all imported petroleum products be blended with locally produced biofuel, particularly ethanol, as part of his administration’s efforts to boost local industries.
Additionally, he prohibited the importation of electrical cables, stating that locally manufactured cables should meet the nation’s demand.
Museveni further pledged support for Mehta Group’s ventures in horticulture and floriculture.
NRM’s economic vision
President Museveni used the occasion to discuss the ideological and philosophical missteps that had previously hindered Africa’s development, particularly in the 1960s, when the private sector was discouraged.
“The big problems in Africa have been philosophical, ideological, and strategic mistakes,” Museveni said. “When we came into government, we had clarified our views on this and put them in our 10-point programme, which advocated for a private sector-led economy.”
Museveni noted that Uganda now boasts over 8,000 factories, compared to just 80 in 1986, largely due to NRM’s policies.
He praised state-owned parastatals like the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and Uganda Development Bank for complementing private sector growth.
The president also commended the Mehta Group for its corporate social responsibility efforts, particularly in education and healthcare. He praised the company for growing its own sugarcane rather than relying on small-scale out-growers, which he said helps stabilise supply.
First Lady Janet Museveni echoed the President’s sentiments, praising the late Nanji Kalidas Mehta for his vision and courage in setting up SCOUL at just 13 years old.
She also applauded the family for their contribution to Uganda’s industrial sector through ventures like cement, building materials, cables, and floriculture.
“I want to congratulate the Mehta family on their contribution to Uganda’s development,” she said. “Their values, business ethics, and commitment to community development are commendable.”
She noted that the Mehtas run hospitals, dispensaries, and schools in Lugazi and expressed her admiration for the family’s friendship with Uganda.
Mahendra Mehta, the Chairman of Mehta Group, thanked President Museveni and the First Lady for attending the centenary celebrations and expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including ministers and members of parliament.
