President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday awarded Modern Group directors and other five outstanding entrepreneurs , industrialists for their contribution to Uganda’s economic transformation at the Mustard Seed Awards 2025, held at Africa Coffee Park in Rwashameire, Ntungamo District including .
Museveni Awards Modern Group Bosses for their Contribution to Uganda’s Economy
Led by Ashish Monpara , Rajan Patel and Ishan Patel , Modern Group is a diversified organization in Uganda, Africa and one of the leading groups of industries comprising more than 8 companies. It has created a world class supply chain management that has capabilities to develop business in any corner of the world. Over the years, Modern Group aims to position itself to be the market leader in all of the businesses focusing on large scale infrastructure development in Uganda with practices benchmarked to global standards.
The event organised by Inspire Africa Coffee, was in celebration of 40 years of growth, and part of the President’s third project inspection visit to Africa Coffee Park, a 150-acre state-of-the-art industrial hub positioned to become the largest coffee-processing and value-addition center in Eastern and Central Africa.
Other award recipients included among others, Jennifer Mwijukye, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Unifreight Cargo Handling Ltd; Hao Zhang, Managing Director and Chairman of Liao Shen Industrial Park; Idro Taban, Chief Executive Officer Zero Waste; Barak Orland, Chief Executive Officer BAR Aviation.
In his remarks, President Museveni who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, congratulated the awardees and appreciated Uganda’s export earnings, which he said, are for the first time more than the import bill attributing it to value addition.
“I’m so glad many people are waking up, and the rebirth of knowledge is now making sense. People like Nelson Tugume [CEO of Inspire Africa Coffee] are very useful having been provoked by my message. That is why we have supported and shall continue to support them,” he said.
Referring to the four factors of production (land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship), which are the basis of production of goods and services, the President called on the people to mainly focus on entrepreneurship, describing it as the major coordinator.
President Museveni also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support during the recently concluded presidential elections and the election of the NRM leaders.
On her part, Maama Janet commended Mr. Tugume and Inspire Africa Coffee for its job creation potential. She noted that the massive investment into the coffee value chain has set a new trajectory for the sector.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, in celebration of President Museveni’s resounding victory, thanked the people of Ntungamo for making history by scooping the second highest vote tally in the country, after Isingiro District.
The Minister for Presidency, Hon Babirye Milly Babalanda, appreciated President Museveni’s wealth creation philosophy that has empowered Ugandans into meaningful development.
Earlier in the day, President Museveni and the First Lady toured the fertiliser production plant on the shores of Lake Nyabihoko.
Modern Group of Industries is undertaking various activities directly or in collaboration with implementation agencies and/or NGOs. Their major focus areas are Education, Skill Development, Healthcare, Local Communities, Responding to humanitarian disasters.
Their commitment extends beyond financial success. Modern Group believes in fostering a sustainable ecosystem of growth by creating employment opportunities, investing in skills development, and prioritizing responsible business practices. They are dedicated to import substitution, fostering local production, and reducing reliance on foreign goods. This creates a ripple effect, stimulating growth across the continent and unleashing Africa’s immense potential.
The Modern Group is more than just a collection of companies. We are a catalyst for progress, a symbol of Africa’s potential, and a partner in building a brighter future. Join us as we continue to push boundaries, redefine success, and illuminate the path forward together.
The event was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Senior Presidential Advisors, the clergy, RDCs, Ntungamo District Leadership and the business community.