Minister for the Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, has commended Maganjo Grain Millers for creating employment opportunities for young Ugandans.
“I salute you for this expansion and for creating jobs for our young people. Above all, you have transformed the face of Jinja City. I encourage others to come to Jinja and establish industries. The population of Jinja has grown tremendously, as you can see. The areas along Kamuli Road and Jinja to Iganga highways are bustling with people and businesses. You cannot go wrong with this population,” she said.
Babalanda made these remarks while presiding over the inauguration of the factory’s flour production unit in Walukuba-Masese, Jinja City.
The Minister conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to the factory’s proprietors and informed them of his congratulations on this significant achievement, coinciding with their 45th anniversary in food processing.
“The President commends you for contributing immensely to feeding the nation, creating jobs, and promoting commercial agriculture in the country,” she noted.
“I am here not only to preside over this inauguration, which is a major contributor to reviving Jinja City’s industrial glory, but also to celebrate the National Resistance Movement’s achievements, particularly in combating unemployment and backwardness. With this new Maganjo plant, Jinja has received a significant boost.”
Babalanda explained that with Maganjo now in Busoga, the subregion’s maize, sorghum, and soya crops will no longer rot in the fields.
“These crops have found a market, and the benefits will accrue throughout the entire supply chain, from seed suppliers, farmers, and transporters to factory workers, product traders, and media advertisers. All will benefit from the Maganjo plant we are launching today,” she asserted.
“The groundbreaking for this plant was done by myself not long ago. I am indeed very surprised and humbled by the completion of this massive infrastructure, a 150 metric-tonne wheat mill—in such a short time. It shows you have everything needed for this industry, are highly motivated, and have the potential to contribute to Jinja’s growth and development.”
The Minister further urged the people of Busoga to support Maganjo Grain Millers and engage with them for serious business development.
“I congratulate you on your 45-year journey since 1979 when you opened shop in Maganjo, Kawempe, Kampala. This has turned you into a leading maize flour miller in the country. Your expansion to Jinja and Busoga at this 5-acre site in Masese Walukuba is commendable, though long overdue for such an experienced company,” Babalanda said.
“I understand that the plant occupies only two and a half acres, and you plan to use the remaining three acres to construct stores for maize, soya, and sorghum. This is welcome news for our farmers and grain suppliers, who will do good business with you. With high demand for wheat flour and your other by-products such as wheat atta, wheat pollard, wheat germ, and other soya, maize, and millet products, we look forward to expanding both local and foreign markets, increasing your contribution to the national economy.”
Additionally, the Minister called upon leaders in Jinja City, especially the Mayor, to improve the infrastructures and facilities around the industrial areas to enable investors to focus on production and expand their portfolios.
According to Hon. Babalanda, if investors do not find Jinja to be a favorable destination, they will relocate, as has happened in previous years.
“We need to protect our investors and attract many more. I congratulate Mayor Stephen Kabuye, the Chairman of Maganjo Grain Millers Ltd, and Mr. Benon Luggya, the Managing Director, for steering Maganjo Grain Millers to this height. Please share your winning tips with the business and investor communities of Jinja,” she urged.
“I also congratulate the Jinja Plant team for quickly settling in and opening business to the people of Jinja and Busoga. To the young people hired by the Jinja plant, please work hard, seek to learn more through training and on-job skilling, and strive to improve your families. To the people of Busoga, please buy Maganjo products available in your shops and supermarkets. Maganjo is now officially a friend of Busoga, and you know how to treat a friend.”