NEC's Vision for Self-Sustainability: Lt. Gen. Mugira Inspects Grain Facility and Infrastructure Projects in Kigumba and Nakasongola

KIGUMBA, UGANDA | July 16, 2025 — In a firm reaffirmation of Uganda’s commitment to building self-reliance and ensuring national food security, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, the Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), conducted a high-level inspection tour of the NEC Agro Ltd. Grain Storage, Milling, and Supply Facility in Kigumba Town Council, Kiryandongo District.

The facility, constructed by NEC Construction Works and Engineering Ltd (NEC WORKS), a subsidiary of NEC, represents a significant milestone in NEC’s broader vision to build sustainable, locally-owned infrastructure that supports both the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and national strategic reserves.

Boosting National Food Security and Economic Stability

Accompanied by Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi, Lt. Gen. Mugira was received on-site by Eng. Simon Terwane, General Manager of NEC Agro, and Eng. Brian Buhanda, General Manager of NEC WORKS. The tour showcased the ongoing developments of a state-of-the-art grain processing complex, which includes a Grain Processing Plant, Maize Milling Plant, a weighbridge, a powerhouse, and six modern grain silos with a storage capacity of 6,000 metric tons.

Eng. Terwane briefed the visiting delegation on the transformative impact the facility is expected to have, including reducing the Ministry of Defence’s food expenditure, stabilizing grain prices throughout the year, and offering consistent food supply to Uganda’s armed forces and beyond.

“This facility will go a long way in formalizing the grain trade within the Kigumba maize belt,” said Eng. Terwane. “It will not only serve the UPDF but also contribute to the broader national goal of creating a reliable and secure grain reserve for the country.” 

Lt. Gen. Mugira, visibly impressed by the quality and scale of the progress, commended the engineers and staff of NEC WORKS for their exceptional work. He noted the marked improvement since his last visit a year prior, emphasizing NEC’s central role in delivering on Uganda’s strategic priorities.

“I am proud that this project has been executed by a NEC subsidiary,” said Gen. Mugira. “It shows that with the right leadership and expertise, Ugandans can deliver on large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects of national importance.”

He emphasized that NEC Agro’s grain facility directly supports the broader vision of achieving self-sustainability in food supply for the armed forces, while also supporting national objectives such as economic transformation, rural industrialization, and food security.

Gen. Mugira highlighted how NEC’s interventions in agriculture have already yielded tangible benefits, such as reduced food prices, improved food quality, and access to guaranteed markets for farmers. He further stressed the need to safeguard the facility and its operations.

“As we celebrate these achievements, we must also ensure that the security of personnel, facilities, and strategic information is prioritized,” he remarked, pledging his full support for the completion of the remaining phases of the project.

Visit to NEC T6 Industrial and Business Park and Road Projects

Following his visit to Kigumba, Gen. Mugira proceeded to inspect ongoing works at the NEC T6 Industrial and Business Park in Katuugo, Nakasongola District. This multi-sectoral park, also operated by NEC, is currently hosting the construction of a Bio Science Facility being undertaken by NEC WORKS.

This facility forms part of NEC’s growing footprint in industrial biotechnology and agro-processing, which are expected to play a critical role in import substitution and value addition to Uganda’s agricultural produce.

Lt. Gen. Mugira capped off the day with inspections of major infrastructure projects undertaken by NEC WORKS, including the 31-kilometre Kasana–Kasiso–Mazzi Road in Luwero District and the 61-kilometre Kakoge–Nansaka–Wabusana Road connecting Luwero and Nakasongola Districts. These roads, once completed, will greatly enhance transportation, trade, and regional connectivity.

The National Enterprise Corporation, as the commercial arm of the UPDF, has increasingly been at the forefront of national development projects—ranging from industrial parks, construction, engineering, agribusiness, and ICT infrastructure.

Lt. Gen. Mugira’s inspection tour underscored NEC’s robust commitment to national self-sustainability, infrastructure development, and food security. As Uganda continues to prioritize domestic industrial capacity and security-driven development, NEC is positioning itself as a leading force for transformation.

With facilities such as the Kigumba Grain Processing Plant and the T6 Bio Science Park nearing completion, Uganda is taking bold steps toward reducing dependence on imports, enhancing strategic reserves, and empowering local industries to meet the demands of both national defense and civilian sectors.