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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the people of Ankole, particularly in Ntungamo District, to identify 300 acres of land for the establishment of a factory to produce industrial charcoal, aiming to boost the region's industrialization and economic growth.
Speaking on March 1, 2025, at Kyamate Secondary School in Ntungamo, President Museveni concluded his assessment tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Ankole and Kigezi subregions. The tour was focused on evaluating the progress of wealth creation and development initiatives under the PDM program. The President, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, emphasized the need for collaboration with investors to drive industrial growth.
Museveni shared insights from a recent visit to Jinja, where he met young industrialists from Abyssinia Industries, a company known for manufacturing steel products. The industrialists expressed interest in Ntungamo due to the region's abundant iron ore but highlighted the challenge of sourcing industrial charcoal for their steel production process. Museveni proposed that local communities could help meet this demand by identifying suitable land for the planting of trees, which would be used to produce the charcoal needed for steel manufacturing.
The President introduced Mr. Jateen Patel, CEO of Abyssinia Group, who confirmed that the company is looking to secure 10,000 acres of land for the establishment of a factory and tree plantation to generate industrial charcoal. Patel outlined plans to create thousands of jobs in the region, with a focus on employing local people.
“You have excellent iron ore here, but you face the challenge of charcoal,” Museveni remarked. He proposed that barren hills in the region could be used for planting trees to generate the necessary charcoal supply for the factory. The President also noted that the idea of using local land to meet industrial needs could help enhance the local economy and create employment opportunities.
First Lady Janet Museveni supported the proposal, encouraging communities to take part in the tree planting initiative. She noted that there is more available land on the hilltops of Ntungamo, which could be utilized for the project. However, local leaders raised concerns about the availability of mature trees for the charcoal production process. Dr. Charles Ngabirano from Rwampara suggested that existing tree outgrowers could supply mature trees to the investor, which would provide an immediate solution to the supply challenge.
The President welcomed this idea and tasked key government officials, including Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, and other relevant stakeholders, to collaborate and finalize the land and tree supply arrangements in the coming months.
In his address, President Museveni also highlighted the importance of focusing on wealth creation through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. He stressed that while infrastructure development such as roads is important, it does not automatically lead to poverty reduction if people do not engage in economic activities that generate income. He pointed to the success stories of individuals who have benefited from the PDM initiative, such as Mrs. Tumusiime Deziranta and Apio Vicky, who were able to improve their livelihoods through the program.
The President also addressed challenges faced by farmers in accessing affordable animal feeds and promised to follow up with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) to ensure better production of feeds for poultry, pigs, and fish. He further emphasized the need for proper irrigation practices to optimize agricultural production, citing the example of Dr. Muranga, who uses irrigation to grow bananas, achieving a yield of 53 tons per acre.
Throughout his visit, President Museveni reiterated that the PDM is designed to improve household incomes and support communities through direct financial assistance, with each parish receiving Shs. 100 million annually to support 100 households.
The event also saw contributions from local leaders and officials, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and other ministers and MPs from the region, as well as representatives from the NRM and various local government bodies.
President Museveni's visit highlighted his commitment to driving industrialization, wealth creation, and sustainable development in Uganda, with a focus on the vital role of local communities in achieving these goals.
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