The Transitional President of the Gabonese Republic, H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and the First Lady, Mrs. Zita Oligui Nguema, visited Fine Spinners Uganda Limited, a textile factory located on Spring Road, Kiswa Zone, in Bugolobi, Kampala. They were welcomed by the company’s Chairman, Mr. Jaswinder Bedi, and his son, Mr. Sav Bedi, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer.
The visitors were given a guided tour of the factory, showcasing the manufacturing process from spinning and weaving to knitting. The tour highlighted the production of various garments, including T-shirts, dresses for children and women, men’s wear, and uniforms for various organizations. Fine Spinners Uganda Limited is known for producing sustainable, traceable cotton textiles and garments using high-quality Ugandan cotton.
President Nguema expressed his admiration for Uganda’s efforts in value addition, particularly in processing raw materials, a campaign championed by President Yoweri Museveni. He voiced his desire to collaborate with the Ugandan government to promote value addition for the benefit of both nations.
“I am very impressed by what we have seen in this factory. Transforming a product from its initial form is very impressive indeed. I am very pleased and wish to form a partnership with the government of Uganda in adding value to our products,” President Nguema remarked.
The CEO, Mr. Sav Bedi, noted that the factory employs over 1,500 Ugandans, primarily trained on the job. The majority of their products are exported to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Later in the afternoon, President Nguema and the First Lady visited the Luwero Industries Complex. They were hosted by the Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), Lt. Gen. James Mugira, and the General Manager of Luwero Industries, Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi. The visit included a tour of Pro-Heli International Services Limited, which specializes in the repair, maintenance, overhaul, and upgrade of helicopters. The delegation also visited the armored vehicle manufacturing plant, where they viewed armored vehicles and boats.
During his remarks at Pro-Heli International Services Limited, President Nguema expressed his gratitude to President Museveni, the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, the Ugandan government, and the people of Uganda for their warm welcome. He described the visit as fruitful, citing discussions with President Museveni on various mutual interests between Gabon and Uganda. He emphasized the need for closer cooperation in health, agriculture, military, and other fields.
Lt. Gen. Mugira highlighted NEC’s role as the commercial and business arm of the Ministry of Defence, aimed at fostering self-reliance and building local capacity to exploit natural resources for the strategic security of African nations. He advocated for ending dependency on external defense support and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities to ensure true independence and sovereignty.
Maj. Gen. Sabiiti provided an overview of Luwero Industries’ activities, which span both military and civilian sectors. President Nguema was accompanied by members of his delegation and Ugandan government officials, including the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, and the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba.
After the tour, President Nguema and his delegation departed for Gabon. They were seen off at Entebbe International Airport by the Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, and Uganda’s envoy to Gabon, Ambassador Matata Twaha.