Museveni Praises Mehta Group for Pioneering Uganda’s Sugar Industry
By The Public Lens
President Yoweri Museveni has commended Mehta Group for pioneering Uganda’s sugar industry, praising their resilience, determination and loyalty to the country.
“I also thank them, particularly Mahendra Mehta and his wife, for not giving up after the disappointment of Idi Amin. When we called them back, they came immediately,” Museveni said.
Museveni made these remarks on October 12, 2024, while officiating at the centenary celebrations of Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd (SCOUL) in Lugazi Municipality.
Established in 1924 by Nanji Kalidas Mehta, SCOUL is Uganda’s first sugar factory. Museveni congratulated Mehta Group for their significant contribution to Uganda’s economic development.
“On behalf of Uganda and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), I want to thank and congratulate the Mehtas on two counts: pioneering the sugar industry in 1924 and their loyalty to Uganda,” Museveni noted.
Museveni highlighted the NRM government’s wise decision to return properties to Asians expelled by Idi Amin, attracting investments.
“I want to thank the Mehtas because they now produce sugar, cables, 16 megawatts of electricity from biogas, ethanol, biofertilizers and grow roses,” he said.
Museveni directed petroleum companies to blend imported fuel with locally produced biofuel.
“In the meantime, as we import petroleum, I direct oil companies to blend imported petroleum with ethanol made by our people here. Secondly, I won’t allow cable importation when they’re manufactured here with local raw materials.”
The President pledged support for Mehta’s horticulture and floriculture business.
Museveni attributed Uganda’s economic growth to the NRM’s correct ideology, emphasizing private sector-led economy and parastatals’ supplementary role.
“We have parastatals like National Water and Sewerage Company, Uganda Development Bank, National Housing Finance Bank, Post Bank and army companies doing well,” he said.
Museveni noted Uganda now has over 8,000 factories, up from 80 in 1986-87.
Maama Janet Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports, applauded Nanji Kalidas Mehta’s courage and persistence.
“I salute him for demonstrating courage, persistence and being a special kind of person,” she said.
Maama Janet praised the NRM government for restoring Asian wealth and property and commended Mehta family values and business ethics.
“I’m aware of your community development work, like running a hospital in Lugazi and various dispensaries, and establishing schools. This is truly commendable,” she asserted.
Mzee Mahendra Mehta, Chairman of Mehta Group, thanked President Museveni and Maama Janet for attending their celebrations.
“Your Excellency and the First Lady, we’re grateful for your support,” he said.
Mehta informed the President about the group’s social development contributions to education and healthcare.
The event was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament and invited guests.
