Museveni Launches Shs180b Starch Plant in Namasagali

  Key Information: The facility is managed by Dr. Matthias Magoola, the creator of Dei Biopharma, a businessperson who has been c...

 

Key Information:

• The facility is managed by Dr. Matthias Magoola, the creator of Dei Biopharma, a businessperson who has been commended by the President for his creative drive.

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President Museveni officially launched a $50 million (Shs180.49b) starch production facility in Namasagali Sub-county, Kamuli District, as part of his re-election efforts.

The factory is managed by Dr. Matthias Magoola, the creator of Dei Biopharma, a businessperson who has been commended by the President for his creative approach. The plant, set up by Dei Biopharma, will manufacture starch, glucose, and maltose for use in both pharmaceutical and food sectors, with intentions to derive over 100 compounds from cassava, maize, and potatoes.

This initiative is a component of an overall $10 billion (Shs36.09b) funding strategy aimed at creating a biotechnology center, which will feature a 1,000-bed hospital dedicated to treating sickle cell disease and cancer, along with a vaccine production facility. President Museveni disclosed that he has been providing financial backing to Mr. Magoola's pharmaceutical projects, including one focused on a malaria treatment. Additionally, Mr. Museveni cautioned the Basoga people against internal conflicts, encouraging them to recognize and back forward-thinking individuals rather than hindering their efforts.

"I encountered this young man via his uncle, and I assisted him when he faced problems related to India. I helped with his legal matters, and now we recognize his creativity and need to back him," he stated.

The current leader also urged Dr. Magoola to forgive those who had doubted him, noting that some individuals hadn't taken him seriously in the past. "I don't understand why Africans dislike innovation; they are accustomed to sleeping. Africans enjoy criticizing. Congratulations, Magoola, but forgive those who have troubled you. That's how I began my fight, and people thought I was crazy," Mr. Museveni stated. Dr. Magoola mentioned that the investment aims to enhance Uganda's competitiveness in pharmaceutical production by decreasing reliance on imported materials.

He pointed out that nearly 99 percent of the starch and other materials used in the production of tablets and capsules are imported, which contributes to the high cost of African pharmaceuticals. "We are one of the first companies in Africa to produce our own pharmaceutical ingredients...The facility is designed to provide affordable quality medicines for Ugandans and Africans, while generating employment and promoting industrial development," said Dr. Magoola. He further mentioned that the plant will need 500 metric tonnes of cassava each day, establishing a reliable and profitable market for farmers in the Busoga, Bukedi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions.

President Museveni also pledged to create an industrial park in Namasagali if he is re-elected. He was campaigning in Kamuli District. He further stated that industrialization is the key to addressing the issue of unemployment as the nation works towards solutions. "Currently, industrial jobs are three times more than those in the government. Therefore, if you guarantee me land, an industrial park will be built in Namasagali as requested," Mr. Museveni mentioned. The President noted that existing industries in the country are providing employment to 1.3 million people, compared to 480,000 positions held by civil servants.

The First Lady and Minister of Education, Ms. Janet Museveni, joined Mr. Museveni in urging for backing. "I ask you to inform your neighbors and friends to support NRM. It has a solid foundation for delivering services," Ms. Museveni stated, continuing, "I can genuinely promise you that education will keep getting better each year."

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman Member of Parliament, Ms. Rebecca Kadaga informed Kamuli residents that her political conflicts arising from the NRM structure elections in August have concluded.

"The conflicts we experienced were set aside for the sake of the party. Therefore, let's stand behind our president," said Ms. Kadaga, who did not win her bid for re-election as NRM's Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) in the Central Executive Committee. She also called on President Museveni to get involved in the reopening of Busoga University, among other matters.

 

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