President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the Mehta Group for its pioneering role in Uganda’s sugar industry, expressing gratitude for their commitment to the country despite past challenges, reports Softpower News.
Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd (SCOUL) on October 12, 2024, in Lugazi Municipality, President Museveni commended Mahendra Mehta and his wife for returning to Uganda after being driven out by Idi Amin’s regime.
“When we called them back, they came immediately. I particularly thank Mahendra Mehta and his wife for their resilience,” said Museveni, who was accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni.
SCOUL, established in 1924 by the late Nanji Kalidas Mehta, was Uganda’s first sugar factory. Museveni praised the Mehta Group for their determination and long-standing loyalty to Uganda.
“On behalf of Uganda and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), I congratulate the Mehtas. The elder Mehta pioneered the sugar industry in 1924, and Mzee Mehta, who has now been involved for 72 years, has made a remarkable contribution,” he said.
Museveni shared a personal anecdote about Mahendra Mehta, noting his loyalty to Uganda. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mzee Mehta was stuck in London but didn’t want to stay there. I had to issue a special permit for him to return to Uganda. While some people enjoy going to London, Mehta and I prefer being here.”
The President credited the NRM government’s decision to return properties to Asians expelled by Idi Amin as crucial in attracting further investment. He highlighted the Mehta Group’s diverse production, which includes sugar, cables, electricity from biogas, ethanol, biofertilizers, and roses.
He also issued a directive that petroleum companies should start blending imported fuel with locally produced biofuels. “As we continue importing petroleum, I now direct that all oil companies blend it with ethanol produced here. Additionally, I won’t allow the importation of cables when we manufacture them locally.”
President Museveni also pledged to support Mehta’s horticulture and floriculture businesses.
Reflecting on Uganda’s economic growth, Museveni credited the correct ideology of the NRM government. “The big problems in Africa have stemmed from philosophical, ideological, and strategic mistakes. People often question what motivates human beings to work. While altruism exists, most people work for self-interest,” he explained.
Museveni emphasized the importance of acknowledging these realities when designing economic strategies, adding, “In the 1960s, Africa discouraged the private sector. Fortunately, by the time we came into government, we had clarified our views and included them in our 10-point programme.”.
