President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Matongo Wood Works Company Limited, a local company for reviving African heritage through the production of high-quality traditional household items.
He said their work is restoring cultural pride that had been eroded by imported products.
The President who was in the company of the First Daughter, Mrs.Natasha Karugire Museveni, made the remarks today while meeting with the company owners, Ms. Stella Teromu and her partner Ms. Elizabeth Karunga at Mbale State Lodge.
President Museveni praised their creativity and commitment to bringing back authentic wooden and clay utensils that once defined African homes.
“I want to congratulate you people. You have resurrected the African heritage of our people, which I have been trying to preserve since the 1940s,” he said.
“We used plates (Esiwani, clay bowls (Ebakuli ), traditional pots (Enstimbo) and other traditional items. They were strong, durable and part of our identity.”
President Museveni noted that the influx of foreign goods in the 1960s pushed many of these items out of Ugandan homes, leaving only a few such as the traditional milk pot (ekyanzi).
“These imported items are just not good. Many peel, break or are made from weak materials. Our local products were of very high quality,” he said.
President Museveni therefore commended Matongo Wood Works for modernizing traditional craftsmanship without losing authenticity.
“I congratulate you for bringing something I have been talking about for years, what you are presenting to Ugandans is not just art. It is quality, identity and pride. You are reviving African heritage,” he said.
He added that the government will support local producers who help reduce dependence on foreign plastics and silicone products.
Ms. Teromu thanked the President for his support and deep appreciation of their work.
“We thank the President for giving us this opportunity and for supporting our company. He loves our products so much that he feels we should sell them globally,” she said.
Ms. Teromu added that Matongo Wood Works Company Limited, located in Naalya, Kampala, produces wooden and clay household items inspired by ancestral African designs adapted for modern living.
