The President commends Atiak Sugar Factory

President Museveni commends Atiak Sugar Factory’s contribution to the country’s  development

The President HE. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commended Atiak Sugar Factory for stimulating growth most especially in Amuru district and Uganda at large.

The President who visited Horyal Investment Holding Company, a joint venture between the Uganda government and businesswoman Amina Hersi sought to assess the progress of the enterprise which runs Atiak Sugar Factory.

He applauded the company noting that its existence benefits the people in the region and the neighboring area.

“I am glad what is happening is good, we can build on it. The strategic vision is that by producing sugar, we stop imports. suppose we were importing sugar, how much money would be spent per year? if you are producing sugar and exporting it, there’s no way you can say you are making a mistake” Museveni said

He further urged local leaders to continue supporting the company so that it can achieve its goal. However, he warned the people disputing the use of the land for the Atiak sugar factory describing them as opportunists whose aim is to divide the people of Acholi.

"The land for this factory here is about 25,000 acres. The whole of Acholi is 27,000 square kilometers. Now what is 25,000 acres out of the 27,000 square kilometers? Those people who are pushing that line of confusion are enemies of Acholi, Uganda, and Africa." the president explained.  

He added that Urbanization, especially through industrialization is very important for the area and anybody who opposes it is either blind or an enemy of the people.

The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa applauded President Museveni for their commitment to prioritizing industrialization to create wealth, employment, and community transformation.

“I call upon our partners and other government agencies and civil societies to support Uganda Development Corporation and Horyal in the success of the factory”, Hon. Mwebesa said.

Norbert Mao, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, highlighted that the project aligns with President Museveni's promise to industrialize Northern Uganda for job creation.

He acknowledged the significance of land as the region's greatest asset and commended the Omaya family for contributing to Dr. Amina's development efforts.

The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring Beatrice Akello, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaija, and Members of Parliament among others  

On her part, Dr. Amina showed gratitude to the government of Uganda for the support towards the company that has enabled them to register progress and assured the President that her company is ready to work with farmers and get a market for their produce.