images/stories/psfu/mulwana.jpg

Championing Private Sector Led Growth in Uganda. Founded PSFU. Strengthened Public Private Partnerships. We shall miss you our Business Icon

As we celebrate his death, it should be without regrets because he has left a strong and vibrant organization that will continue to carry the private sector mantle in this country.  His high level of commitment, genuine interest and knowledge of private sector issues has been clearly put to work in order to bring the private sector agenda to this level.  

He spear headed the setting up the Private sector Foundation of Uganda in 1995. This was only achieved in solid partnership with the Uganda Private Sector, led by him who was at the time the Chairman of the Uganda Manufacturers Association.

Professor Mulwana, under his leadership, the PSFU, which is a very unique institution, has grown to become the main platform for dialogue with both development partners and Government, and has a very strong advocacy position.  The application of  his business knowledge and experience in the broader national and international arena for the cause of private sector development has been commendable.

PSFU would like to remember the outstanding work he has done in advocating for the private sector in Uganda and the region.

He has served the business community with passion and selflessness.  

He has dedicated a lot of energy, time and resources to the growth and development of the private sector in Uganda and indeed regionally through the East African Business Council.

His commitment and determination to the growth and development of the private sector is legendary. He has been resilient and unwavering in pushing for business community interests. This he has done through constructive engagement with the public sector

His spirit of a constructive and effective public private partnership is a challenge to us all.  

Prof. James Mulwana we are greatly indebted to you. May your soul rest in eternal peace.

Main Achievements for the PSFU

1.    Growth of Membership for the Private Sector Foundation Uganda from 11-166.

2.    Secured a home for PSFU

3.    Strengthened Public Private Partnerships

4.    Strengthened relations with Donors

5.    Spearheaded Private Sector Participation in Trade Initiatives
6.    Successful organization of the Common Wealth Business Forum

Humble beginnings

In 1961, Mulwana got started in the import and export business

Uganda Batteries Limited

Uganda Batteries Limited, an automotive battery manufacturing entity, was established in 1967, as Associated Battery Manufacturers Limited in partnership with Chloride (UK) Limited and in 1990 he gained full ownership of the company.

Nice House of Plastics Limited
In 1970, established Ship toothbrush factory Limited whose name was later changed to Nice House of Plastics Limited on January 5th 1995. The Company manufactures toothbrushes, household products, writing instruments like ball pens, packaging products soda and beer crates, jerry cans) as well as agricultural equipment (knapsack sprayers).

Jesa Farm Dairy Limited
In 1988, founded JESA Mixed Farm, with a herd of 550 Friesian cows. Later, Jesa Mixed Farm’s operations expanded; leading to the establishment of Jesa Farm Dairy Limited (1994), with a milk processing, pasteurizing and packaging plant to produce packed milk, butter yoghurt and cream.

Nsimbe Estates Limited
In 1992, started Nsimbe Estate Limited, mainly involved in horticultural farming for export of cut flowers, in a joint venture with a German partner.

Jesa Investments Limited
Jesa Investments Limited is a Commercial Property Development entity started in 2002.

Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA)
In 1988, spearheaded the revival of the Uganda Manufacturers Association and served as its Chairman till early November 2000. Currently was serving as Chairman of the UMA Advisory Committee.

Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Limited
Mulwana was appointed a Director to the Board of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Limited in 1992. In 1998, appointed Chairman (1998- to date)

Past Chairman of the East African Business Council
Professor James Mulwana, is one of the founder members of the East African Business Council and was elected to serve as Chairman of EABC twice between 2000-2001 and again 2003-2004. Together with other founding members Mulwana negotiated the formation of EABC in 1997, an apex body of the private in the EAC during the re-formation of the current EAC. He strongly believed in private sector participation in policy reforms andfully participated in the EAC Integration processes where he was one of the pioneers of public private partnerships. He maintained a positive attitude towards regional integration, embracing the East African spirit and working as East African at all times.

Under his leadership, and as a strong believer in EAC Regional Integration, Professor Mulwana steered EABC into successfully negotiating to ensure that private sector input into the negotiations on the East African Community Customs Union Protocol was taken into consideration. On June 6th 2003, he was elected

Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the East African Business Council which brings together past chairs, a position he served diligently.

Royal Kingdom of Thailand
In 1993, was appointed Honorary Consul of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand to Uganda, a position he was still holding to- date. In October 2008 was promoted as Honorary Consul General, a position he still holds to date.

BATU Limited
In 1995, BAT Uganda (1984) was appointed to its Board of Directors. Later was appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board (1994- to date).

International Finance Corporation (IFC)
He was elected as a board member to the International Finance Corporation Business Advisory Council in 1996, which has its headquarters in Washington D.C. The IFC is a member of the World Bank group and is involved in the direct financing of private sector projects in developing countries.

East Africa Development Bank Limited
Mulwana was appointed to EADB Board of Directors in June of 1999 to date. The Bank is involved in the direct financing of private sector projects within the East African countries.

Eskom Uganda Limited -Mulwana has been a Director of Eskom Uganda Limited in 2003 to date. Eskom is the company responsible for the generation of Hydro Electric Power in Uganda.

Insurance Company of East Africa Limited -Was appointed as a Director to the Board of Directors of ICEA in 2002 to date.

Aittel Uganda (Formerly Zain and Celtel Uganda) - Was appointed as Director.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Vice Chairperson, SOS Children’s Village SOS Children’s Village is a charitable
organisation, which takes care of the homeless children and orphans. In June 2003, was elected as the representative of the African Continent to the International Senate of the SOS Kinderdorf International General Assembly.

Patron, HOSPICE- Uganda
Trustee, Mengo Hospital
Board Member, Interplast Uganda
Board Member, St. John Ambulance Uganda

AWARDS RECEIVED

1988
Chevalier in the National Order of Merit by the French Government in honour
of my continued contribution in promoting the private sector

1988
Appreciation Award for Distinguished Leadership of Uganda Manufacturers
Association

1991
Vocational Service Award, service above self, by the Rotary Club of Kampala
Uganda.

1991
The Investor of the Year Award for the best business promoter of the decade,
by Uganda Investment Authority 1991-2001

1993
The Monitor Award “Man of the Year’’-1993 by Monitor Publications, Kampala

1998
Honorary Doctorate of the University of Nkumba in recognition of my leading
role in the manufacturing and business sector

2000
East African Most Respected CEO ( 3rd Place ) by PriceWaterHouseCoopers

2001
East African Most respected CEO by PriceWaterHouseCoopers

2001
Certificate of Award by Habitat for Humanity International

2002
East African Most Respected CEO by PriceWaterHouseCoopers

2003
Certificate of Honorary Membership by Rotary Club of Muyenga D9200

2006
Presidential Transformers Appreciation Award presented by H.E President  Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

2007
UIA Recognition Award by Uganda Investment Authority in recognition to  personal contribution to the success of the Commonwealth Business Forum 2007

2008
PSFU Appreciation Award: In recognition of invaluable contribution to the Private sector Foundation as Chairman.

May God Rest His Soul in Eternal Peace