Hon. Phionah Nyamutoro Advocates for Local Investment Growth During Visit to Oyoma General Stores, Nebbi District

*By John Kusolo*

On a productive Sunday evening in Nebbi District, Hon. Phionah Nyamutoro, Uganda’s Minister of State for Energy Mineral Development( Minerals), visited Oyoma General Stores (OGS) in Parombo Town Council. This visit showcased her commitment to supporting local Ugandan businesses and advancing the government's mission of production, value addition, and wealth creation, as championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Hon. Nyamutoro was accompanied by Mr. Okaba Vincent from Rock Oils, hosted by OGS proprietor Mr. Bob Oyoma and L.C. 3 Chairperson, Mr. Thomwa Ronald. Together, they toured the facilities of OGS, the largest beverage manufacturer in Nebbi District. OGS has become a major local success story, employing thousands of residents and expanding its reach throughout East and Central Africa. The company’s growth stands as an example of the potential of Ugandan-owned businesses to thrive in competitive industries.

OGS is more than just a business; it’s an emblem of local economic empowerment. Its success highlights the critical role Ugandan-owned businesses play in economic development and employment. By providing jobs to thousands of locals, OGS contributes significantly to the Nebbi District's economic landscape, helping uplift entire families and fostering sustainable development in the region.

This visit highlighted the broader agenda of empowering Ugandan entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas. Hon. Nyamutoro expressed her enthusiasm for the achievements of OGS, saying, “OGS is a reflection of the local investments we would like to see growing across the country. These investments, proudly owned and operated by Ugandans, bring us closer to the self-reliant economy envisioned by President Museveni. Through production, value addition, and wealth creation, Ugandan businesses can compete not only locally but also regionally.”

During her visit, Hon. Nyamutoro praised President Museveni’s decision to prioritize the Nebbi Industrial Park as a fast-tracked project. With the establishment of the industrial park, Nebbi is set to become a hub for entrepreneurial growth, mineral development, and cross-border trade with neighboring countries. This development will open up further economic opportunities, creating a favorable environment for other local businesses to grow and for new industries to emerge.

The industrial park's location is strategic, serving as a link for trade between Uganda and neighboring countries in East and Central Africa. Hon. Nyamutoro emphasized that the industrial park would foster cross-border trade, offering local manufacturers greater market access and opportunities to scale their operations beyond Uganda’s borders. This aligns with the government’s agenda of using regional trade as a means of boosting the national economy, promoting job creation, and empowering local entrepreneurs.

Hon. Nyamutoro’s visit to OGS underscores her dedication to supporting local businesses, fostering industrial growth, and promoting sustainable economic development in Uganda. With President Museveni’s focus on production and wealth creation, Nebbi District stands as a model for how industrial parks can drive regional economic transformation.

Hon. Nyamutoro’s commitment reflects the Ugandan government’s wider economic strategy, aiming to uplift communities through local investment and industrialization. By empowering Ugandan-owned businesses and creating more job opportunities, she envisions a future where Nebbi District and other regions can achieve sustainable economic development and self-reliance.

Her visit to OGS and her support for the Nebbi Industrial Park project underscore her belief in the potential of Ugandan entrepreneurs. As Nebbi Industrial Park takes shape, it promises to unlock even greater opportunities for growth and prosperity in Uganda’s industrial sector, creating a legacy of economic empowerment and regional integration.