Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd (SCOUL) subsidiary of Mehta Group of Companies based in Lugazi Municipality has marked 100 years of community empowerment.
President Yoweri Museveni who presided over the celebrations commended Mehta Group for pioneering the sugar industry in Uganda.
“I thank Mahendra Mehta and his wife for not giving up after the disappointment of Idi Amin. When we called them back, they came immediately,” he said.
The President also congratulated Mehta Group for their resilience, determination and loyalty to Uganda.
“On behalf of Uganda and that of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), I want to thank and congratulate the Mehtas on two counts; number one, the elder Mehta who pioneered the Sugar Industry in 1924. I thank him and congratulate him and I also congratulate Mzee Mehta who came to Uganda in 1952 after studies and started being engaged in the management of the group. That’s 72 years now, that is a good contribution,” he noted.
“I can attest to the loyalty of Mzee Mehta to Uganda. During Corona (Covid-19), I got information that Mzee Mehta was stuck in London but he didn’t want to stay in London during that period. Although we were not allowing tourists to come, I had to issue a special permit for Mzee Mehta to come. So you fellows who like to go to London, Mzee Mehta and myself like staying here.”Museveni added.
SCOUL, the first sugar factory in Uganda was established in 1924 by the late Nanji Kalidas Mehta, the founder of Mehta Group.
“I want to thank the Mehtas because right now they are producing sugar, cables, they are also producing 16 megawatts of electricity from biogas, they are producing ethanol, biofertilizers and they are also growing roses,” he said.
Museveni thanked the Mehta Group for their Corporate social Responsibility especially supporting education and health care.
Meanwhile first lady Maama Janet Museveni applauded the founder of Mehta Group, the late Nanji Kalidas Mehta for coming to Uganda at the age of 13 years to set up a sugar factory in the East African country.
“I want to congratulate the Mehta family on their contribution to the development of Uganda through their many different enterprises such as the sugar industry, Cement and building materials, electrical cables, horticulture and floriculture and many others. The Mehta Group is one of Uganda’s largest industrial conglomerates.” she said.
She further commended the Mehta family on their values and business ethics.
“I’m aware that besides being leaders in the business world, you have also done great work in terms of community development. For example I know that you run a hospital in Lugazi as well as various dispensaries. I also know that you have established schools. This is truly commendable,” the First Lady asserted.
“I pray that the young generation will learn something from people like you that it is possible to build for generations; we can create wealth for generations and make a significant contribution wherever God sends us in the world. Finally, I want in a special way to salute my sister and friend, Suni, who has been a real friend and sister over the years. Please know that we appreciate your friendship with us as family just as much as we appreciate your love for this great nation.” Janet Museveni stressed.
The Chairman of Mehta Group, Mzee Mahendra Mehta lauded President Museveni for creating an enabling environment that has enabled companies like Mehta to thrive in Uganda.
“Your Excellency and the First Lady, we are grateful to you for the support towards the Group, “he said.
