Business
Kyambadde courts Acholi women to support Atiak Sugar factory
Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Amelia Kyambadde
The government is trying to use the carrot and stick strategy in its attempt to break the resistance against the Ataik Sugar factory in Amuru district.
The Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Amelia Kyambadde was recently in Amuru to try to convince the women of the area to support the Atiak Sugar factory project by acting as outgrowers but also doing other economic activities.
She noted that the government is planning to give the proprietor of the sugar company an extra UGX24bn to support the sugar company to start.
But the company has faced a number of challenges including opposition from local people and politicians over fears that it will steal their land.
In a way to reassure the local people, Kyambadde urged the women to venture into areas where they can produce stuff and sell on the market. She made the comments while officiating at the launch of the Atiak Sugar Plantation out-growers Cooperative society limited.
The Trade Minister said that discovering one’s passion and being consistent in doing a particular business is key to success, adding that women should take the right path in any form of business that they are doing.
Kyambadde said her Ministry is ready to support, train and market the Products of women at the international level if they add value and certify their products.
Lamwo Resident district Commissioner Kidega Nabinson said that using funds from the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) and Operation Wealth Creation [OWC], close to 21,000 acres of land have been opened for cultivating Sugar cane.
Kidega urged the women to work closely with their husbands so that the income they get can be put to better use to develop the family.
The Chairperson of the Atiak Sugar Joyce Laker said the Cooperative which was founded in 2014, has about 4,700 members where 3000 are women and 1700 members are men.
Laker added that they have only agreed to lease land for the development of sugar works adding that each district will have a tractor to help in opening up the sugarcane fields.
Atiak Sugar Plantation out-growers will supply the Atiak Sugar Factory which is owned by Business woman Amina Hersi.
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