NEC Agro Crowned Best National Agricultural Enterprise of 2025 “We grow it, we process it, and we serve it.”

In a momentous recognition of innovation, dedication, and national impact, NEC Agro, a subsidiary of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), has been awarded the Best National Agricultural Enterprise Award 2025 at a prestigious ceremony organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.

The competition, which attracted 286 contenders across 18 categories, witnessed an overwhelming 13.5 million votes from the public, highlighting the deep engagement and support for agricultural transformation in Uganda. The accolade reflects NEC Agro’s remarkable strides in agricultural production, processing, and strategic food distribution, especially in supporting national security forces.

The award was received by Eng. Terwane Simon,

General Manager of NEC Agro, on behalf of Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC. During his acceptance remarks, Eng. Simon expressed profound gratitude to the event organizers and to the millions of Ugandans who voted.

“This award belongs to every hardworking individual within NEC Agro and the UPDF family. It is a reflection of our shared commitment to food security, military readiness, and national development,” Eng. Simon stated.

Citing Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous quote, “An army marches on its stomach,” he emphasized the importance of sustenance in military operations and how this timeless philosophy remains central to NEC Agro’s mission.

NEC Agro: The Pillar Behind the Plate

At the core of NEC Agro’s excellence lies a vertically integrated model built on efficiency, self-reliance, and patriotism. Operating under the mantra, “We grow it, we process it, and we serve it,” NEC Agro has revolutionized military and public sector food systems.

Key Milestones and Achievements:

Large-scale Farming: NEC Agro manages over 5,149 acres of cultivated land, with maize as its staple crop. This plays a vital role in strengthening national food and animal feed security. 

Modern Processing Infrastructure: The upcoming grain storage, milling, and supply facility in Kigumba is a game-changer. It features:

A 6,000 metric ton storage capacity.

A 5-ton-per-hour maize milling plant, aimed at boosting value addition and supply chain reliability.

Supply Chain Excellence: NEC Agro supplies maize flour to more than 150 UPDF formations across Uganda. It also delivers 42 different food commodities to UPDF training institutions, directly impacting the nutrition and combat-readiness of Uganda’s armed forces.

This recognition is not only a feather in NEC Agro’s cap but also a testament to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership and its vision of self-reliance in logistics. The successful implementation of agriculture-based support systems demonstrates how defense and development can work hand in hand.

Lt. Gen. James Mugira, the driving force behind NEC’s success, has continuously advocated for investment in agriculture as a pathway to national empowerment. Under his stewardship, NEC Agro has evolved into a model institution of food security, agribusiness innovation, and logistical excellence.

With the commissioning of the Kigumba facility on the horizon, NEC Agro is poised to scale up its operations, increase exports, and contribute to Uganda’s industrialization goals under the National Development Plan (NDP IV).

The company also serves as a training ground for young agricultural professionals, with plans to expand its collaborations with research institutions and farmer cooperatives.

The Best National Agricultural Enterprise Award 2025 is more than just an accolade—it is a call to action. NEC Agro’s journey is a living example of how strategic leadership, disciplined execution, and national service can transform Uganda’s agricultural sector. As the country moves toward self-sufficiency and economic resilience, NEC Agro remains a beacon of hope and excellence.

"When you feed a soldier, you fuel the nation." – NEC Agro