Museveni commissions Victoria Sugar Ltd factory in Luwero

LUWERO - President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the Victoria Sugar Limited factory in Luwero district at an event where he said his government would "fix" the minimum wage issue.

He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni delivers his speech in the company of the First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni at the official Inauguration of Victoria Sugar Limited, Luwero Factory on December 30, 2025. (All Photos by PPU/Tony Rujuta)

(L-R) President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, Victoria Sugar Limited Luwero Factory managing director Jiyani Alpesh, and the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among cut a ribbon while officially inaugurating Victoria Sugar Limited, Luwero Factory on December 30, 2025.

While addressing leaders, workers, and residents, the President commended the management and staff of Victoria Sugar for their contribution to Uganda’s industrial growth and wealth creation agenda.

He said his government is committed to addressing workers’ welfare, including the issue of the minimum wage, as part of broader efforts to reduce poverty and spur economic growth.

“I am aware of the issue of the minimum wage, and I am going to fix it. Tosobola kukama nte nga tosoose kulongoosa kiraalo [You cannot milk a cow before cleaning the kraal]."

The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among with some of the staff at the official inauguration of Victoria Sugar Limited, Luwero Factory on December 30, 2025.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni being welcomed at the official Inauguration of Victoria Sugar Limited Luwero Factory.

Museveni further emphasised that the government will continue working to reduce the cost of electricity, transport, and water in order to enhance industrial competitiveness and improve livelihoods. 

He urged Ugandans to support the NRM and its flagbearers in the 2026 general elections for sustained service delivery and socio-economic transformation.

Victoria Sugar managing director Jiyani Alpesh expressed appreciation for the stable and enabling investment environment fostered under Museveni's leadership.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among and Victoria Sugar Limited, Luwero Factory managing director Jiyani Alpesh unveiling a plague as a sign of official Inauguration of Victoria Sugar Limited Luwero Factory.

Some of the staff at the official Inauguration of Victoria Sugar Limited, Luwero Factory.

He said the Victoria Group operates across multiple subsectors, including sugar manufacturing, clean energy co-generation, distillery operations, plastics manufacturing, tarpaulins, tyre manufacturing, tiles production, steel products, cable manufacturing, recycled batteries, and household utensils.

Alpesh said the company directly employs over 8,000 Ugandans and indirectly supports more than 9,000 livelihoods through outgrowers, suppliers, and customers. 

The group’s plantations cover 17,000 acres in Luwero and surrounding areas, with an additional 10 square miles acquired in Kiryandongo for future expansion.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni being welcomed by the staff at the official inauguration of Victoria Sugar Limited, Luwero Factory on December 30, 2025.

The managing director further highlighted the company’s contribution to Uganda’s energy security, noting that Victoria Sugar generates 15 MW of clean energy, with 10 MW supplied to the national grid, and is in the process of installing an additional 3 MW of biogas power.

He disclosed that the group has invested over 150 million US dollars (544 billion Ugandan shillings) to date and contributed 225 billion Ugandan shillings in direct and indirect taxes between 2018 and 2024, significantly supporting national development and public service delivery.