By Max Patrick Ocaido
Parliament has paid tribute to Businesswoman, Dr. Amina Hersi in recognition of her prestigious European CEO Award and Entrepreneur of the year Africa 2019.
In a motion presented by Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal, the MPs showered praises to Amina, a Kenyan national of Somali origin for investing heavily in Uganda's economy. Amina is honoured for venturing into the Sugar industry, Real estate and corporate social responsibility.
Amina is currently constructing Atiak Sugar Factory in Amuru District to help rebuild the local economy and create business opportunities especially for women. The factory that has government as a shareholder, occupies about 16,000 acres of land and is due for completion this year.
When fully operational, the factory will produce 50,000 tonnes of sugar per day. It will be consuming sugarcane entirely supplied by the local farmers. "Many times we have achievers we don't recognize, Dr. Amina Hersi brought happiness to the faces of women in Nothern Uganda, and when we say women we mean that their achievements pass on to children and fathers," said Robina Rwakoojo, Gomba West MP.
Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah who was chairing the House clarified that Government funding to Atiak Sugar factory was channeled to outgrowers and not to the operations of the factory- the reason the factory has delayed. Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Amelia Kyambadde recognized Amina's contribution and pledged to support her projects.
"Amina Hersi formed 3000 women cooperatives in Nothern region, I want to state that Gov't has 34% in Amina's project, It is going to benefit many Ugandans through employment, training & market" Kyambadde said.
Amina has been invited to attend the Commonwealth Enterprise Investment Council (CWEIC) global advisory meeting slated to take place on February 27r in London. Amina received an invitation from the London based organization on January 23, 2020.
The global advisory meeting brings together chairs and chief executives from a cross Commonwealth countries. The council represents a high level and broad cross section of businesses from a range of sectors, all of whom are seeking to do business in the Commonwealth.