Museveni touts economic progress, declares end to sugar shortages

KALIRO, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni on Friday declared that Uganda’s days of sugar scarcity are over, using the inauguration of a new sugar plant to highlight his government’s economic policies.

In a speech read by Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Francis Mwebesa, Museveni said the country’s economic progress means Ugandans will never again face the shortages that were common decades ago.

“We are saying ‘farewell’ to those practices forever,” Museveni said, recalling a time in 1986 when essential goods like sugar had to be rationed, particularly in Kampala.

The president positioned the new Kaliro Sugar Factory, built by the Modern Group, as a prime example of his government’s “private sector-led growth strategy.” He noted that while the policy had faced criticism, it has proven its value, with Uganda now home to more than five sugar factories, including Kachira, Lugazi, and Mayuge.

Museveni projected a positive economic outlook for Uganda, with a medium-term growth of at least 7%, which he attributed to continued industrialization.

The new factory, spearheaded by entrepreneur Ashish Monpara, has an initial crushing capacity of 2,500 tons of sugarcane per day. According to company projections, this will produce 78,000 tons of raw sugar annually and create 1,500 direct jobs. The company plans to expand within two years, aiming to increase its crushing capacity to 8,000 tons and create an additional 1,500 jobs.

Minister of State for Investment and Privatization Evelyn Anite said the investment aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

“Uganda’s future lies in agro-industrialization,” Anite said. “Investments like Kaliro Sugar Factory directly align with the National Development Plan III and Vision 2040 by creating 1,500 jobs now, with 3,000 in the near future, empowering farmers, and stimulating regional economies.”

David Bahati, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Industry), announced that the ministry will inaugurate a sugar council in two weeks. He noted that Museveni had assented to the bill, which will give farmers control over sugar prices.

Ashish Monpara, the company’s chairman, said the factory is “not just a factory — it is a promise.” He added that the facility is committed to creating jobs and boosting Uganda’s economy.

Mr. Mumolu Nathan, Chairman of the Outgrowers’ Association, emphasized the positive impact on local farmers.

“For the farmers of Kaliro and beyond, this factory is a dream turned into reality,” Nathan said. “It guarantees us fair markets, consistent incomes, and the dignity of seeing our sugarcane transformed into national wealth.”

Kaliro Sugar has also committed to corporate social responsibility initiatives, including providing access to clean water and electricity for surrounding communities, building a community school, and investing in local roads. The company also plans to implement eco-friendly waste management and support reforestation programs.