Museveni Launches NEC Meat Plant, Urges End to Military Ration Imports

President Yoweri Museveni has urged Uganda to cease importing military food supplies, advocating for locally produced goods to bolster the nation's industrial base and create jobs. He spoke Wednesday at the inauguration of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Meat and Beans Processing Plant in Kisozi, Gomba District.

This facility, a joint venture between NEC and private investor Francis Ragwa, is designed to produce canned beef and beans. Its primary customers will be the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies, with additional capacity for regional export markets. Museveni stated that Uganda possesses sufficient resources to supply its own institutions and must prioritize industries that add value to local raw materials.

He identified the organization of production systems and the establishment of reliable markets as crucial for stimulating output, rather than a lack of resources. "The stimulus for production is the market. Once there is a market, we can organise Ugandans to produce," Museveni explained, pointing to the growth in Uganda's coffee and dairy sectors as evidence of this principle.

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The stimulus for production is the market. Once there is a market, we can organise Ugandans to produce.

NEC Managing Director Lt Gen James Mugira noted that Uganda spends approximately $2 million annually on imported canned rations for its armed forces and an additional Shs42 billion on fresh beef. The new plant aims to replace these imports, particularly canned beef from countries like Brazil. "There is no reason Uganda should continue exporting jobs by importing products that can be manufactured locally," Mugira stated.

The plant can process 150 cattle daily, creating a consistent market for commercial ranchers and organized livestock farmers. Mugira acknowledged that the project, initiated in 2019, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but now represents a significant stride toward industrialization and job creation. However, he highlighted unreliable electricity supply as a major obstacle, with the factory spending between Shs5 million and Shs10 million daily on generators. He also called for improved livestock disease control and a traceability system to access premium international beef markets. Private investor Ragwa suggested marketing Uganda's indigenous Ankole cattle as a premium product.

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There is no reason Uganda should continue exporting jobs by importing products that can be manufactured locally.