Museveni Commissions Modern Tiles Factory worth USD30m.

By Evans Najuna 

Buikwe – At the onset of Covid-19 and it’s subsequent lockdown, President Museveni made several directives among which was that industries were to continue working such that the economy can still survive and thrive.

This gave an upper hand to the state minister for finance in-charge of investment Evelyn Anite discuss with the Modern Group of companies that later gave birth to Modern Tiles factory that commenced it’s architectural work in June 2020.

The factory worth USD30m investment was Tuesday this commissioned by President Museveni at Bukaya Njeru Municipality Central Division in Buikwe district.

According to the investor Ashish Monpara, the facility is located on 7acres of land becoming one of the big producers of ceramic tiles in East Africa, producing 40,000sq metres daily, expected to create an import substitution worth USD75m and also create 1,600 direct jobs.

Speaking after commissioning the factory, President Museveni, thanked the investor for responding to the call in making use of the available raw materials to manufacture such products to the region.

He added that it’s very scandalous for leaders to sit down and look at the hemoplague of such raw materials going outside Africa. He applauded the investor for creating jobs for Ugandans.

The president also commended the work done by state minister for finance in-charge of investment Evelyn Anite, and the Uganda Investment Authority for the tremendous work in listening and making it easy for investors.

Museveni assured Modern Group of companies on the issue of power tariffs that it will subsequently be reduced to 3cents per unit.

Concerning the rationalisation of transport, the president noted that there is a still a challenge of transportation of raw materials using motor vehicle trucks which needs to be addressed by use of railway.

He gave an example of Mombasa – Kisumu and Tanga-Mwanza connecting to Ishugyezi that can cut transport costs to USD140. Adding that this can make the part of Africa very efficient for industrial base. Museveni concluded by imploring those who are still ignorant to wake and understand the anatomy of money.

Minister Evelyn Anite, applauded both domestic and foreign investors for their relentless and tireless efforts in bringing their monies to invest into Uganda.

She noted that Modern Tiles factory is the third factory of ceramics, the other two being; Goodwill and Millennium ceramic tile factories.

“With the condusive environment, it has enabled investors to set up big factories and hence helping Uganda’s economic development,” said  minister Anite.

She however informed the President about some challenges like the pending issue of iron ore in Muko sub-county in Kabale district, and also the issue of sugarcane that has led to the reduction in sugar production.

Meanwhile, Uganda Investment Authority chairman Morrison Rwakakamba noted that because of good ideological aspirations created by the revolutionary government, investors like Ashish Monpara is prospering in Uganda, he’s becoming one of the ambassadors to attract more investors and friends to come and invest in the country.

The area  member of parliament Diana Mutasingwa, who doubles as the minister of state in the office of vice president, lauded President Museveni for his outstanding support and efforts for Uganda’s industrialisation journey that has created employment for Ugandans.

She noted some challenges like the 9km road that leads to Buikwe industrial park and Lugazi Kiyindi. She also reminded the president about the issues of the pledged urban market in Njeru municipality that still has land issues and also general issues of land grabbing in the district.