The Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs (MoDVA), Jacob Obosu Obosu, launched NEC-WATU automotive filters and air cleaners at Mbale Industrial Park on January 31, 2024.
The Minister was received by Mr. Liu Qingshan, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and Chairman of NEC-WATU.
NEC-WATU is a joint venture between NEC and the Chinese company WATU, established to develop and manage automotive-related industrial projects in Uganda.
Mr. Obosu Obos highly praised the partnership between NEC and WATU, saying that the innovations of both companies are having a significant impact on Uganda’s automotive sector, and that the government wants to see more of these innovations.
The Minister appreciated the growing friendship between Uganda and China, which has generated so many market innovations.
Mr. Obos said the strategic partnership between the two countries has brought about a revolution and brought development closer to the people. He urged innovators to use this example as inspiration to create jobs and attract more investment.
The Minister commended the efforts of investors who chose Uganda as the home base for their companies in Africa.
“Your belief in investing in Uganda is what drives us to make our country better. As a government, we are committed to supporting innovation in science and technology.” Mr. Obosu said.
The Minister urged Ugandans to embrace BUBU.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General James Mugira took time out of his busy schedule to take on the role of unveiling to the public automobile filters and air purifiers, one of the products of NEC’s joint venture, NEC-WATU. I expressed my gratitude to the Minister for his assistance.
General Mugira informed the Minister that the commissioning of the Phase 1 filter was a major milestone in the history of Uganda’s automotive industry.
He thanked NEC-WATU, a partner willing to cooperate with NEC and share experience, technology and expertise, and vouched for NEC’s credibility.