Museveni hails Mehta group for contributing to Uganda's transformation
President Yoweri Museveni has recognized the tremendous work of the Mehta group in the social and economic transformation of the country
The president echoed this while at the celebrations to mark 100 years of the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited in Buikwe District.
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In 1924, late Nanji Kalidas Mehta opened the first sugar factory in Uganda, now known as Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited - SCOUL which celebrates 100 years.
With several industries in place, the group has contributed to the country’s economic progress, providing to over 9000 workers and their 36,000 dependants.
President Museveni applauded the Mehta family for accepting to come back to Uganda when he called them after being expelled by former president Idi Amin Dada.
The president also made a directive that oil importers should blend their oil with Uganda’s locally made ethanal and also electrical contractors to not import cables from foreign
Museveni suggested that the government should make a law to force companies importing oil to blend their imported oil with locally manufactured ethanol, citing that the move will replace what we are importing ethanal by 25 percent.
“I now direct that all petroleum importers should be forced to blend their imported petroleum with our locally made biofuel from the sugar cane,” Museveni said.
The president also stopped electrical and networking contractors from importing cable lines from abroad yet the country has its manufacturers like Mehta Group.
President Museveni further encouraged investors dealing in sugar production to be strategic by growing their sugarcane on a large scale and stopping over-reliance on our growers.
The president also commissioned the 16 megawatts power generation plant established by the Meta group of companies.
The First Lady of and the Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataha Museveni congratulated the Mehta group on its values and business ethics.
“I am aware that as leaders in the business world, you have also done a deal in terms of community development such as establishing medical facilities, nursery, and primary and secondary schools in the community” Mrs. Museveni Said
Lutajani Khemis, Lugazi Central Division chairperson praised Mehta Group for supporting the communities in the district in terms of employing thousands of people, providing education and medical care to the community as well as donating the land that hosts the Kawolo hospital and the Lugazi municipality headquarters.
“I am a testimony because I was paid school fees by Mehta group up to my University and they employed me from there. I became a politician. They donated the land that hosts government agencies such as Lugazi municipality, UMEME, Lugazi taxi park, Kawolo hospital and many others," said Lutajani.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr.Stephen Kaziimba who was represented by Mukono diocese Bishop Enos Kitto, said in the last 100 years of existence, Mehta Group has stood with the church of Uganda, recognizing the group's contribution to spiritual and social transformation in the area.
"We do remember that the present Kawolo Kitega church of Uganda parish has a genesis with the support of the Mehta familly in early years and our Christian famillies have gained a lot from the Mehta group through provision of accommodation and worship space,"said Kazimba.
Jay Mehta, one of the directors in the meta group, commended the president for working tirelessly to provide a good working environment that has attracted thousands of investors in the country.
He further revealed that the group is committed to investing and thriving in Uganda's economy for another 100 years and making a lasting impact on generations to come.