Encouraging local industry. President lays foundation for Butuntumula Fruit Processing Plant, Congratulates Luwero Best PLE pupil

State House Uganda - News President Yoweri Museveni today laid a foundation stone for the Africa Tropical Organic Fruit Processors and Exporters Ltd (ATOPE) in Kasiiso, Butuntumula sub-county, Luwero District with a renewed promise of empowering farmers directly.

The President regretted using agencies such as the National Agricultural Advisory Services' (NAADS) performance for the last 10 years despite the heavy funding from Government.

"We have used about 800 billion for NAADS programs in ten years. NAADS spent most of the money on paying themselves salaries and not for the benefit of farmers" He explained.Invoking a Luganda proverb "ekittatta muyima tekimumalako nte nze," literally meaning a herdsman multiplies his herd as long as he is alive.

The ATOPE factory processes fruits such as oranges, pineapples,jack fruits,carrots, green paper and pumpkins into natural fruit and vegetable juice and nectar blend.The factory operates under the guidance of food science and technology experts from Makerere and Kyambogo Universities.

The President commended the factory director Edith Wamala for bringing the factory home to empower residents and promised to link her with other investors that would help her improve the factory and ensure availability of the required fruits.

He challenged Ugandans to shift from using their physical muscle power to industrial system,because it was more efficient and one is able to produce for a big market.

He Donated 50 million towards development activities of Tukolere Wamu Women's Group of Kasaana piida in Luweero. He challenged the group to double their efforts.

"I have asked the women how many trees of mangoes they have so far planted. The group of 40 women said they had only 60 trees. You have the seedlings, have land, how can 40 women have only 60 trees?" the President wondered.

The area Member of Parliament Hon. Abraham Byandala commended the President for the support towards starting factory 3 years ago. He also commended the director Ms Wamala for the initiative which he said is symbolic of the women's contribution towards the struggle against poverty. He used the opportunity to express the people of Luweero's gratitude for the resolution passed in kyankwanzi that endorsed the President for another term, adding that it represents the majority of Ugandans. He also commended the President for agreeing to assent to the anti-homosexuality bill.

At the same function, the President congratulated and awarded a State House scholarship to Kawuta John Baptist who was the best primary leaving examination pupil in Luwero. According to Byandala, Kawuta's excellence is a symbol that education in Luwero under Universal Primary Education is doing well.

The president later paid a courtesy visit to the late Wamala Seraphinos home in Kasaala. The late Wamala is the father to Father Henry Wamala Mukasa of the Catholic church of Kasana Luwero diocese, Kiwoko parish, and was the President's strong supporter.