Firm fails to export beef two years after opening

KAMPALA.

The Uganda-Egypt Food Security Company, a firm with an estimated investment of $21m (Shs70 billion) in a modern abattoir to export beef, has failed to take off amid claims of poor management.
Documents seen by Daily Monitor indicate that the company does not pay its suppliers and workers while it is yet to ship out the first beef consignment about two years after President Museveni offered it free land for operations.
While commissioning the firm on Kampala-Bombo road on August 16, 2015, the President, convinced by the company’s promise, assured local cattle keepers, especially in Luweero, of ready market for their animals. “I supplied the company building material in 2015 but management has refused to pay me more than Shs14 million. Whenever I go to demand my money, security does not allow me to enter the premises. The managing director (Mr Sheriff Kalini) has strict instructions not to allow any debtor enter the company. He has not lived to his promises,” one supplier told this newspaper.
“I am not alone, we are many, including some farmers who have supplied animals, but have either been underpaid or not paid at all.... He is very arrogant to the extent that when you question him, he says he is only answerable to the head of state. We appeal to President Museveni to prevail over his investor,” he added.
Mr Ahmed Kasaija, another businessman, alleges he supplied the company with building materials worth Shs47m but has never been paid.
“He is guarded by soldiers whom he orders to push you out of the company premises when you go to demand your money,” Mr Kasaija says.
Mr Kalini’s home in Kololo, Kampala, is guarded by military personnel.
Mr Maher Fayer, a former logistics manager of the company, has petitioned court for non-payment of his salary worth $15,000 (about Shs54m).
“This man does not give appointment letters to workers. He never remits National Social Security Fund and does not adhere to workers’ rights. He has to respect the Ugandan laws if he is to do business in our country,” says Mr Paul Kato, Mr Fayer’s lawyer.
Despite agreeing to an interview at his home, Mr Kalini declined to discuss the issues raised by the complainants.
“I do not discuss company busines in the media. What I can tell you is that I have paid those people and I have receipts,” he said.
Ms Evelyn Anite, the State minister for Investment, and Mr Lawrence Byensi, the director, Uganda Investment Authority, said they lost track of the company.