From the bold confession of the Ssisa village local council chairperson, Isaac Lumu Kasule, the multi-billion-dollar Crown Beverage factory plant at Kakungulu has already transformed the entire Kajjansi Town council.
“I thank the president (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni) for the development in the Ssisa area with this gigantic Crown Beverage factory where many of the residents are employed” Kasule who has been in local council leadership since1991 remarked.
“This started with the developments in the nearby Akright Estate. The population has grown from 326 to 2500 in 400 homes. Residents have developed and keen for the Parish Development Model. We have challenges of land wrangling and limited jobs to the residents from the same company” he added.
This plant which sits on over 30 acres was officially commissioned on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 by the vice president of the republic of Uganda, Rt. Major Jessia Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Moments after arrival minutes past noon, Major Alupo was taken through a guided tour around the plant production zone.
The tour also had other high-profile guests as Eugene Willemsen (Pepsico representative), the security minister Hon. Jim Muhwezi, Hon. Francis Mwebesa (Trade, Industry and Cooperatives minister), Hon. David Bahati (State minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives), Suzan Kabonero Muhwezi (senior presidential advisor on AGOA and trade), former leaders Ruhakana Rugunda, Amama Mbabazi, Odrek Rwebogo (president Museveni’s senior advisor on general duties), Amos Nzeyi (executive chairman Crown Beverages Limited), directors Chris Kayoboke, Prof. Maggie Kigozi, Prince David Wasajja, Dean of RDCs and RCCs in Uganda Justine Mbabazi, Humphrey Nzeyi (chairman Private Sector Foundation), Barbara Mulwana (Chairperson Uganda Manufacturers’ Association), CEO Paddy Muramiirah and other officials.
“I appreciate the effort from a number of previous leaders Amama Mbabazi and Ruhakana Rugunda) for their efforts to industrialize Uganda. I thank chairman Amos Nzeyi for the initiative. I congratulate the employees who have been recognized” chief guest Alupo noted.
There are over 3000 employers directly and indirectly employed by Crown Beverages Limited in Uganda (with more than 100,000 retail dealers) for a company that has lasted for the last 30 years.
“I thank the workers who completed the work. There were 500 workers for the work done in 7 months and 2 days. The opening was challenging given the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With courage and brevity, we managed to move on” Nzeyi recollected.
President Museveni’s speech was delivered by the vice president Alupo; hinting to three important pillars – producers, consumers and enablers in the production industry.
“I wish to thank Dr Amos Nzeyi, the executive chair for the initiative of the Kakungulu factory site. I congratulate you upon the completion and opening of new production factory. Since 1986, I have always talked of the producers (farmers, industrialists, service providers), consumers (the market) and enablers (peace and security, electricity, railways, roads, ICT and others). NRM’s first step of economic recovery was peace and security. You were the taxpayer of the year 2018. I am reliably told that the plant cost 90M USD. Since the experience of 1963 for the chronic shortages, we learnt a lot and shall take the bold lessons. I wish you success in your future endeavors.” President Museveni stated.
Staff who have served for 35 years, 25 years and 15 years with the company were recognized.
Gresom Turyaheebwa, a senior driver who has been on duty for 35 years was among those given certificates of recognition.
Others of 25 years included Moses Oleka, Jackson Egeu, Johnson Byaruhanga, among others.
Some of the staff who have served 15 years are Charles Musoke, Davis Atuhaire, Edward Musoke, extra.
Giving a vote of thanks, co-director Maggie Kigozi summarized the development as work in progress with a kiganda proverb “Gakyali Mabaga” loosely translated “The best is yet to come”.
“The population is growing. We knew we needed to do more and this plant boldly answers that call. Gakyali Mabagga” Kigozi concluded.
Guests and staff were served with a sumptuous luncheon.
