The Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), Lt Gen James Mugira, has urged East African Community (EAC) partner states to collaborate on research and development related to mineral utilization.
NEC is the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Lt. Gen. Mugira said there is an urgent need to establish a robust defense industrial base to enhance national security and achieve self-sufficiency.
He was speaking at the closure of the East African Community Multi Experts Working Group Forum in Kampala on Friday, September 27, 2024.
He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and joint ventures with foreign investors to facilitate technology transfer, expertise sharing, and capital investment that will promote regional capacity and growth.
“We cannot afford to work in silos. There is a need for a common approach. We do need each other and must work together to harness natural resources within our countries for the benefit of our defense industries,” Lt Gen. Mugira said.
The forum focused on establishing a legal framework and technicalities for the co-ownership of raw material processing industries across the EAC partner states. It took two days and was attended by Chief Executive Officers of Defense Industry Services.
General Manager of Luwero Industries Limited, Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeeyi, noted that the proposed legal and technical modalities will guide the community towards ensuring a stable supply of raw materials.
Participants emphasized the need for transparency and efficiency in regional projects. The forum was aimed at strengthening the East African Community’s integration efforts and promoting collaborative strategies among member states.
The partner states include Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, and the EAC Secretariat in Arusha.