Gabon President Nguema Explores Ugandan Industries, Seeks Partnership
On August 2, 2024, Gabon’s Transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Zita Oligui Nguema, visited several industrial sites in Uganda. Their tour aimed to explore potential partnerships and advancements in value addition to products.
The visit began at the Luweero Industries Complex, where President Nguema was hosted by Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), and Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi, General Manager of Luweero Industries. During the visit, the delegation toured Pro-Heli International Services Limited, a company specializing in the repair, maintenance, overhaul, and upgrade of helicopters.
Following this, President Nguema and his team visited the armoured vehicle manufacturing plant. They observed the production of armoured vehicles and boats. Maj. Gen. Sabiiti provided an overview of the plant’s operations, which also include civilian sector activities. Lt. Gen. Mugira explained that NEC operates as a commercial and business arm of the Ministry of Defence, aiming to promote self-reliance and utilize local resources for strategic security.
Lt. Gen. Mugira emphasized the importance of reducing dependency on foreign defense equipment. He advocated for strengthening local capacity to manufacture defense equipment within Africa to ensure sovereignty and independence.
The Gabonese delegation at NEC also included Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth and Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Judith Nabakooba.
On August 1, 2024, President Nguema’s delegation visited Fine Spinners Uganda Limited in Bugolobi, Kampala. They were greeted by Chairman Jaswinder Bedi and CEO Sav Bedi. The tour included a walkthrough of the factory’s spinning, weaving, and knitting processes. Fine Spinners Uganda produces sustainable cotton textiles and garments, employing over 1,500 people who receive on-the-job training. The products are exported to Europe, Asia, and various African countries.
President Nguema praised President Yoweri Museveni’s efforts in value addition to raw materials. He expressed a desire to collaborate with Uganda to enhance value addition projects for mutual benefit.
In a statement, President Nguema described the visit as fruitful, noting discussions with President Museveni on various issues of mutual interest between Gabon and Uganda. He reiterated his call for deeper cooperation in health, agriculture, and military sectors.
At the end of his tour, President Nguema expressed his gratitude to President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the people of Uganda for their warm hospitality. He departed for Gabon later that evening.
