Defence and Internal Affairs Committee Inspects NEC Uzima Ltd, Commends Standards Compliance.
Kakiri, Wakiso – 18th September 2026 – The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, led by Chairperson Hon Rwakoojo Robina Gureme, today visited NEC Uzima Ltd in Kakiri as part of its ongoing field oversight.
The delegation was welcomed by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Innocent Oula, Deputy Managing Director of NEC, who said NEC Uzima Ltd is a subsidiary of NEC, the commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, producing bottled natural mineral water. He thanked the Committee for its support in Parliament and briefed members on the company’s mandate and background from UPDF production to NEC for business viability.
The General Manager, Maj. Edgar Mugizi Ankwasa, in his presentation, said NEC Uzima was established through the visionary leadership of the UPDF under Article 209(d) of the 1995 Constitution, which requires the UPDF to be a productive force contributing to national economic development, thereby transforming the UPDF from a consumer to a productive force. He said the company operates within a framework of constitutional provisions, statutory laws, corporate regulations and state policies as both a strategic military supplier and a commercial entity, and is fully compliant with all national regulatory, environmental, health and safety requirements with all necessary operational certifications.
On operations, Maj. Ankwasa said the core business is production and sale of Uzima Natural Mineral Water under East African Standard US EAS 13, distinct from packaged drinking water under US EAS 153, with daily activities run through functional departments. The company produces in 330ml, 500ml, 1500ml and 18.9 litres using multi-barrier filtration, UV sterilization and ozonation technology.
He added that strategically, NEC Uzima is an instrument of national socio-economic development aligning with Import Substitution and BUBU by domesticating production of safe bottled beverages, reducing reliance on imported premium water, retaining currency locally and contributing to national revenue through taxes.
The Committee was taken on a guided tour of the automated water production line and to the new site proposed for the new water production line.
The Committee commended NEC Uzima Ltd for its adherence to standards and certifications and pledged continued support.
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