NEC Boss Lt Gen James Mugira Inspects Military Textile and Footwear Plant, Calls for Quality and Cost Efficiency

BUKWE, April 15, 2026 — The Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), Lt Gen James Mugira, has underscored the importance of maintaining high product standards and cost competitiveness during an inspection visit to the NEC–MMP industrial facility in Buikwe Business and Industrial Park, Jinja.

The visit, which featured a progress review meeting chaired by Lt Gen Mugira, focused on evaluating the operational performance of NEC–MMP, a joint venture established to manufacture military-grade textiles and footwear for Uganda’s security forces and potentially for regional markets.

Accompanied by senior officials, including Brig Gen Edwin Karugaba and members of the NEC Board, Lt Gen Mugira toured the facility and held discussions with management on production efficiency, quality assurance, and long-term sustainability of the project.

Driving Industrial Self-Reliance

NEC–MMP represents a key step in Uganda’s broader strategy to strengthen local manufacturing capacity, particularly in the defence sector. By producing military uniforms, boots, and related gear domestically, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports, cut procurement costs, and ensure timely supply for the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

During the meeting, Lt Gen Mugira commended the management team for the progress registered so far, noting that the facility is steadily moving toward meeting its production targets.

However, he emphasized that sustaining this momentum will require strict adherence to quality standards.

“Quality must remain non-negotiable, even as we strive to keep our production costs competitive,” he noted, adding that balancing the two will position NEC–MMP as a reliable supplier within and beyond Uganda.

Management Commits to Growth

The NEC–MMP General Manager, Mr. Akash Dobaria, welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of the plant’s current operations, milestones achieved, and future projections. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) and the UPDF for their continued support, which he described as critical to the facility’s growth and stability.

Dobaria highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline production processes, improve product durability, and align output with the specific needs of military personnel operating in diverse environments.

Strategic Importance of the Facility

Located within the Buikwe Business and Industrial Park, the NEC–MMP plant is part of a wider government push to promote industrialization through strategic partnerships and value addition.

The facility is expected to not only serve Uganda’s defence needs but also create employment opportunities, transfer technical skills, and contribute to export potential within the East African region. Analysts view such initiatives as vital in advancing Uganda’s ambition of achieving a higher middle-income status, particularly through strengthening manufacturing and reducing import dependency.

Lt Gen Mugira reiterated NEC’s commitment to supporting the facility to reach full operational capacity, urging management to remain focused on innovation, efficiency, and market competitiveness.

As the plant continues to scale up production, stakeholders are optimistic that NEC–MMP will become a cornerstone of Uganda’s defence industrial base—delivering high-quality, locally made military gear while contributing to the country’s economic transformation agenda.