In a significant development aimed at bolstering Uganda’s industrial sector, NEC-Watu, a collaborative venture between the National Enterprise Corporation and Wattu China, has inaugurated a car supplier systems and car filter manufacturing branch in Mbale City.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Sino Uganda Industrial Park in Mbale City, where a cutting-edge factory has been established to produce car supplier systems and filters. The facility is poised to contribute significantly to the automotive industry in Uganda, with plans to manufacture 15,000 car filters and 3,000 vehicles annually.
Speaking at the event, State Minister for Defense Jacob Oboth Oboth lauded the milestone achievement, attributing it to the growing partnership between Uganda and China. He emphasized the positive impact of this innovation on the automobile industry and expressed the government’s support for further initiatives aimed at fostering industrial growth across the country.
NEC Managing Director Lt Gen James Mugira underscored the corporation’s commitment to maintaining high-quality production standards aligned with both local requirements and international benchmarks. He outlined the factory’s role in promoting import substitution, creating employment opportunities, and driving overall economic development in the region.
Lt Gen Mugira also revealed plans to expand the project by acquiring additional land in Mbale for the establishment of a vehicle assembly plant, complementing the existing facility in Namanve. This expansion reflects NEC’s long-term commitment to advancing industrialization and economic prosperity in Uganda.
QuingShan Liu, the chairperson of WATU, appealed for tax waivers to alleviate the initial financial burden associated with the project and called for community support to ensure its success. This request underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and the local community in driving industrial growth and sustainable development.
The launch of the car supplier systems and filter manufacturing branch marks a significant step forward in Uganda’s industrial landscape, paving the way for increased local production, job creation, and economic self-reliance. It represents a testament to the potential of strategic partnerships and innovation in driving industrialization and fostering economic growth in the country.
