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AMURU - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasised the crucial role of urbanisation, particularly through industrialisation, for Uganda's development, stating that anyone opposing this progress is either misguided or actively working against the country's interests.

The President made the remarks on Saturday while touring Horyal Investment Holding Company in Gem Pacilo village, Atiak sub-county, Amuru district, owned by businesswoman, Dr Amina Hersi Moghe.

President Museveni expressed disdain for those opposing the land use by the Atiak sugar factory, labelling them as opportunists seeking to sow division among the people of Acholi.

“We shall not allow any distortions created by any group like those Balaalo who were coming from the South. Why are you going to the North? To do what? Many of them don't have good reasons because they misused their own land or underutilised it and then come to create confusion here. But there could be some who come for good reasons.

Therefore, on one hand, we don't encourage those people who squander their land in other parts of the country and then come to do the same here but again in some cases, there are those who want to do some good work,” he said.

“If there's anybody causing distortion, we shall oppose you, we are all here. I wrote my document, I want everybody to come back and we will discuss it and the other committee which we set up will move around, we shall get a solution,” he added.

The President also promised to recognise the family of the late John Omaya for their contribution to the project's success. (PPU Photos)

He pledged to counter any distortions created by such groups and stressed the importance of constructive development initiatives like the sugar factory, which he sees as a catalyst for growth benefiting the entire Acholi region and beyond.

“These MPs know how much Gulu University stimulated growth in Gulu Town when we built it. The students need where to stay and what to buy from shops,” the President noted.

“The land for this factory here is about 25,000 acres. The whole of Acholi is 27,000 square kilometres. Now what is 25,000 acres out of the 27,000 square kilometres? Now those people who are pushing that line of confusion are really enemies of Acholi but also enemies of Uganda and Africa,” he added.

Commending Dr Moghe for her investment, President Museveni urged leaders, including Members of Parliament, to support such ventures to achieve their intended goals.

“I really want to thank Amina for starting this project. I'm glad, what is happening is good, we can build on it,” he emphasised.

“The strategic vision is that by producing sugar, we stop imports. Suppose we were importing sugar; how much money would be spent per year? If you are producing sugar and exporting it, there’s no way you can say you are making a mistake. If you start even if you don't succeed in the first round, continue. I attacked Kabamba two times failing, but the third time I succeeded, that is why you see me here.”

Museveni pledged to counter any distortions created by groups and stressed the importance of constructive development initiatives like the sugar factory, which he sees as a catalyst for growth benefiting the entire Acholi region and beyond.

The President also promised to recognise the family of the late John Omaya for their contribution to the project's success.

Addressing smallholder farmers, President Museveni advocated for the adoption of the four-acre model of farming over crops like sugarcane and cotton, emphasising the need to focus on products with high demand both locally and internationally.

“When you read my books, I recommend products which have got national, regional and international demand,” he said.

Trade minister Francis Mwebesa thanked President Museveni for his commitment towards prioritising industrialization as a pathway of wealth creation, employment and community transformation.

“I call upon our partners and stakeholders, other government agencies and civil societies to support Uganda Development Corporation and Horyal in the success of the factory,” he said.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao said the project is based on President Museveni’s pronouncement when he unilaterally signed the Juba Peace Agreement.

“In your speech, you said you will industrialise Northern Uganda so that people can have jobs. We took that promise very seriously and based on that promise, we knew that as the guns were falling silent and peace was returning, it was important that Northern Uganda stopped being a burden on the economy of Uganda and also start contributing and to contribute you must use your greatest asset. Here we have land, that is how the family of John Omaya gave out land to Maama Amina to develop it.”

Dr Moghe expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government for its support and reassured President Museveni of her company's readiness to collaborate with farmers and create market opportunities for their produce.