Lt Gen James Mugira, the Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), has urged East African Community (EAC) partner states to collaborate on research and development related to mineral utilisation, stressing the need to establish a robust defence industrial base to enhance national security and achieve self-sufficiency.
“We cannot afford to work in silos. There is a need for a common approach. We do need each other and must work together to harness natural resources within our countries for the benefit of our defence industries,” stated Lt Gen Mugira.
Speaking at the closure of the East African Community Multi Experts Working Group Forum in Kampala, he highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and joint ventures with foreign investors to facilitate technology transfer, expertise sharing, and capital investment that will promote regional capacity and growth.
The two-day forum focused on establishing a legal framework and technicalities for the co-ownership of raw material processing industries across the EAC partner states.
Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeeyi, General Manager of Luwero Industries Limited, noted that the proposed legal and technical modalities will guide the community towards ensuring a stable supply of raw materials.
The forum was attended by Chief Executive Officers of Defence Industry services, leading delegates from partner states including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, and the EAC Secretariat in Arusha.
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