Stakeholders Hail Meta Plant & Equipment for Advancing Mechanisation as office is Unveiled

Meta Plant & Equipment on Thursday officially opened its new state-of-the-art facility in Kampala, marking a significant step in the company’s long-term investment in Uganda’s agricultural and construction sectors. The launch brought together global representatives, financial institutions, partners, and farmers, all underscoring the country’s accelerating shift toward modern mechanisation.

The ceremony began with remarks from Mr. Micheal Woodward, General Manager for Agriculture at Meta Group, who set the tone with a deeply personal reflection on his two-decade journey in Uganda. Woodward—who first arrived 20 years ago—described Uganda not just as a market, but as home.

“I’ve been here about 20 years. I’m very proud to call it home,” he told the gathering. “I noticed in the last census that the average Ugandan is 17, so I’ve been here three years longer than the average Ugandan, which is a crazy fact to think about. But we’re a Ugandan company, this is our home, and we welcome you to it.”

He said the new facility is designed to deliver faster service, reliable technical support, and improved access to the globally trusted machinery brands that Meta distributes—New Holland, Field King and Dezzi. Woodward noted that Uganda’s young population, fertile land and rising demand for productivity place mechanisation at the centre of the nation’s economic future.

The company’s strong regional and global presence was underscored by the attendance of a senior Meta executive who flew in from the United Arab Emirates for the launch. He commended the Uganda team for its discipline, growth and resilience, saying the Kampala expansion reaffirms Meta’s belief in the country’s long-term economic stability.

“Uganda has shown consistent progress over the years,” he said. “For us, this facility is not just a showroom; it is a commitment to service, training and capability. Our customers deserve world-class support, and this centre brings global standards closer to the Ugandan farmer and contractor.”

Following the technical demonstration and tour of the new workshop, representatives of Uganda’s leading financial institutions delivered messages of partnership and support.

Mr. Steven Namunyala Demane from Centenary Bank said the launch comes at a time when demand for mechanisation has sharply increased, driven by commercialisation and climate-smart production methods. He said Centenary’s collaboration with Meta aligns with the bank’s mission to uplift smallholder farmers through accessible financing.

“Mechanisation is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” Namunyala said. “Centenary Bank stands ready to support individuals and agribusinesses to acquire equipment that transforms production. What Meta has done today gives our clients confidence that after acquiring machines, they will receive reliable after-sales service.”

Mr. Kenneth Edwonu of DFCU Bank echoed the sentiments, emphasising that the banking sector is strategically positioned to unlock value in agriculture. He said DFCU’s agricultural credit solutions are strengthened by partnerships with reputable, service-driven firms such as Meta.

“This investment is timely,” Edwonu said. “Uganda’s agro-industrialisation goals depend heavily on efficient, modern machinery. We encourage farmers and contractors to take advantage of the equipment financing packages available through our partnership with Meta.”

From the farming community came a heartfelt testimony from Mr. Apolo Okwi, a farmer from Amuria, who shared how New Holland equipment transformed his livelihood and that of surrounding farmers.

“When I acquired my first New Holland tractor, everything changed,” Okwi narrated. “I was able to increase my acreage, reduce labour costs and support other farmers by offering tractor services. What Meta is launching today means that farmers from my region will access support faster and more reliably.”

Industry partners also weighed in. Mr. Phillip Muhereza from Mogas Uganda commended Meta for maintaining consistent professionalism in equipment servicing and fuel partnerships. He said reliable machinery paired with quality fuel is essential for longevity, efficiency and cost savings, and Mogas is committed to maintaining that synergy.

Closing the event, Meta Plant & Equipment Managing Director, Mr. Mark David, said the Kampala facility represents the company’s dedication to long-term service, parts availability, and training. He said Meta’s expansion mirrors Uganda’s own transition toward large-scale production and modernised construction.

“This new home is built for the next generation of farming and industrial growth,” he said. “We are here for the long run—supporting customers, empowering farmers and contributing to Uganda’s economic transformation.”

Guests later toured the facility, inspected machinery displays, engaged technicians and interacted with teams from New Holland, Field King and Dezzi.