Workaholic Namyalo Visits Everyday Biscuit Factory, Kawempe Market, Calls For Continued Support To Museveni

By Frank Kamuntu 

The Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, paid a courtesy visit to Ahmed Raza Foods Industries Limited, the producers of Everyday Biscuit and Wheat Flour, in Matugga, Wakiso district. The factory, which employs over 500 workers, has been operating in Uganda since 2007 and runs 24 hours, producing more than 500 boxes of biscuits daily.

During her interaction with the workers, most of whom are youth, Hajjat Namyalo encouraged them to live responsibly, work hard, and stay committed to their families. She advised them to take advantage of government programs, assuring them that President Yoweri Museveni still has many plans in store for the bazzukulu.

One of the employees, Henry Kasirye, raised concerns about the Parish Development Model (PDM), explaining that many factory workers find it hard to benefit since their demanding schedules prevent them from visiting parish offices. Others revealed that they lack National IDs because of their long working hours.

The workers also expressed frustration over low pay despite their hard work and requested Namyalo to forward their concerns to the President for possible policy reforms to improve the welfare of casual laborers.

In response, Namyalo encouraged them to explore small side businesses to supplement their income and promised to seek support from President Museveni for empowerment tools and equipment through her office.

Speaking during the visit, the company’s Executive Director, Mr. Kasim Kaka, praised Uganda’s favorable investment environment and noted the high demand for wheat flour compared to biscuits. However, he pointed out challenges such as unfair competition from imported goods and high taxes that hinder business growth. He called on the government to regulate imports and create a fairer environment for local industries to thrive.

Despite these challenges, Mr. Kaka urged other investors to consider Uganda as a prime destination for business, citing the country’s stability and abundance of labor.

After the factory visit, Namyalo proceeded to Wekembe Market in Kawempe, where she met traders and learned that President Museveni had supported their SACCO with 100 million shillings in 2016. To her surprise, the funds were reportedly mismanaged by the leaders.

One of the accused SACCO leaders claimed that the money was loaned to members who failed to repay, especially during the COVID-19 period. However, other members insisted the loss was due to poor leadership and lack of accountability.

Wekembe Market has more than 370 stalls, and Namyalo directed ONC coordinators in Wakiso to conduct a detailed survey to verify the number of traders, stall owners, and goods sold. She said the findings will help her lobby for better support for the market through her office.

Hajjat Namyalo also vowed to report to the President any officials found mismanaging Emyooga and PDM funds, provided there is concrete evidence to support the claims.