By Regina Lalam Olal

LIRA - The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has highlighted its growing role in Uganda’s industrialization

, agriculture, construction, healthcare and other commercial sectors.

This was revealed on Monday, 28th September 2026, during a presentation to the business community and leaders of Lango by the Deputy Managing Director of NEC, Maj. Gen. Innocent Oula.

Gen. Oula said NEC operates through subsidiaries and joint ventures with the aim of supporting the Defence Forces while contributing to the wider civilian economy.

According to him, NEC’s operations include engineering and manufacturing, construction, agriculture, food processing, water supply, healthcare products, waste management, security services, railway maintenance and aviation maintenance.

Agriculture and Food Security

Gen. Oula highlighted NEC’s agricultural activities, including maize production and procurement from civilian farmers. He said NEC processes maize into posho which is supplied to the UPDF, while also creating a market for produce from local farmers.

“NEC is exploring opportunities to expand commercial farming, including plans to acquire land in Karamoja for agricultural production and to invest in modern farming equipment,” Gen. Oula said.

He added that the corporation has also been involved in food-security interventions in Karamoja, where it supplied maize, beans and other food commodities during periods of shortage.

Manufacturing and Pharmaceuticals

In the manufacturing sector, Gen. Oula said NEC has facilities involved in the production of spare parts, protective equipment, vehicle components and pharmaceuticals among other products.

He revealed that NEC is developing a pharmaceutical initiative, Med Pharma City, in partnership with an Egyptian company to support local production of human medicines.

Construction, Waste Management and Investment

The corporation also highlighted its construction and engineering capacity, noting that it has undertaken projects for government institutions, the Defence Forces and private sector clients, including infrastructure maintenance for railways and airports.

Gen : Innocent Oula

In waste management, NEC handles solid waste, electronic waste, medical waste and oil-related waste, and operates a modern incineration facility for appropriate waste treatment.

On investment opportunities, Gen. Oula said NEC has identified land for industrial development, including an approximately 500-acre site at Nango Hill.

NEC is encouraging businesses and potential investors to visit its facilities to learn about available industrial and commercial opportunities.

Business Community Responds

During the engagement, members of the Lango business community raised several issues.

Mr. Otim

Tom requested NEC to import quality seeds and make them accessible to farmers at affordable prices.

Mr. Ogwang Edola asked NEC to consider setting up irrigation systems to address water shortages that cause losses to farmers.

Mr. Andrew Jackson Odongo raised concerns about farm inputs and the delayed industrial park. In response, Gen. Oula said the delay is due to the land title which is still held by Lira District Local Government.

Business leaders also sought clarification on whether NEC only employs UPDF personnel. Gen. Oula assured them that NEC employs on merit as long as one has the required qualifications, adding that many civilians, including people from Lango Sub-region, are already working with the corporation.

Call for Value Addition

In his closing remarks, Gen. Oula assured the business community of support to visit NEC production facilities and encouraged them to embrace value addition, especially those dealing in agricultural produce.

He said the broader objective of NEC is to promote local manufacturing, value addition, job creation, technology transfer and economic self-reliance, among others .