Published on 05/11/2025
The Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, has paid a courtesy visit to Everyday Biscuit and Wheat Flour Company in Matugga, Wakiso District, as part of her ongoing efforts to promote economic empowerment and monitor government impact at the grassroots.
The factory, which employs more than 500 workers, has been operational in Uganda since 2007 and runs on a 24-hour basis, producing over 500 boxes of biscuits daily.
During an interaction with the workers; majority of whom are youth, Hajjat Namyalo urged them to embrace discipline, hard work, and family responsibility.
She encouraged them to take advantage of government empowerment programmes, assuring them that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni remains committed to improving the livelihoods of the bazzukulu (youth).
Some workers raised concerns over their inability to benefit from the Parish Development Model (PDM), citing long and demanding work hours that prevent them from accessing parish offices. Others reported lacking National Identification cards, a requirement for most government programmes, due to their tight work schedules.
In addition, the employees voiced frustration over low pay and appealed to Hajjat Namyalo to forward their grievances to President Museveni for possible reforms aimed at improving the welfare of factory and casual workers.
In her response, Hajjat Namyalo advised the workers to consider starting small side businesses to supplement their income. She further pledged to liaise with the President to secure empowerment tools and equipment for interested youth through her office.
The company’s Executive Director, Mr. Kasim Kaka, commended Uganda’s favourable investment climate but expressed concern about challenges faced by local manufacturers. He pointed out that competition from imported products and high taxes continue to undermine the growth of domestic industries.
Mr. Kaka called on government to strengthen policies that protect local manufacturers and create a level playing field. Despite these challenges, he encouraged both local and foreign investors to take advantage of Uganda’s stability and abundant labour force.
Following the factory visit, Hajjat Namyalo proceeded to Wekembe Market in Kawempe, where she interacted with traders and inquired about the management of their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO). The traders revealed that in 2016, President Museveni had extended a financial boost of Shs100 million to their SACCO, but the funds were reportedly mismanaged.
One of the SACCO leaders claimed that the money had been loaned to members who defaulted on repayment during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, several members disagreed, attributing the losses to poor leadership and lack of accountability.
Wekembe Market hosts over 370 stalls. Hajjat Namyalo directed ONC coordinators in Wakiso to conduct a comprehensive survey to verify the number of traders, stall owners, and goods sold, saying the findings would inform future government support for the market.
She also warned that any officials found to have mismanaged funds under government programmes such as Emyooga or the PDM would be reported directly to the President.
“We shall not tolerate corruption in these empowerment programmes. Whoever is found diverting funds meant for the people will be held accountable,” Hajjat Namyalo said.
