NEWS EDITOR
ON Saturday March 04th 2020, Government launched and kicked off supplying of maize flour and beans to millions of vulnerable poor in Uganda during Covid-19 National lockdown.
The 6kgs sacks of maize flour are branded: Government of Uganda (office of the Prime minister) maize flour for vulnerable poor supplied by APONYE (U) LTD.
Different people on social media were seen asking who are the owners of APONYE (U) Ltd and how come this company is the supplier of maize flour to millions of Ugandans? How did it win this mega deal?
News Editor Media picked interest and here we report: APONYE (U) LTD is owned by a Kabale-Kigezi tycoon Apollo Nyegamahe.
His company name is got from both his names. APollo president Museveni’s blue eyed boy, is also the NRM Chairman for newly created Rukiga district.
Those knowing him say, this super tycoon has lots of multi billion investments ranging from transport business where he owns a fleet of trailers to owning Aponye Motel along William Street in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
Aponye who has connections to big shots in Government like Rt. Hon. Prime minister Ndugu Dr. Livingstone Ruhakana Rugunda, Governor Bank of Uganda Emannuel Mutebire, business mogul Amos Nzeyi, State minister for Finance David Bahati among others all from Kigezi owns a number of malls in the heart of Kampala.
One is that which houses Mega Standard Supermarket and many others around Kampala Old taxi park.
He is said to be the best grain miller in Uganda. Him and Chris Kaijuka the chairperson Uganda grains council are buddies.
Aponye supplies maize flour to United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) and United Nations (UN) based regugee camps.
He owns a Plastic factory and Aponye Construction Company also dealing in building materials. In Kabale, he owns Apo Hotel in Muhanga.
SOUTH SUDAN BILLIONS’ DEAL
Among a few Ugandan traders who were compensated with billions of Shillings by the government for the losses made during the Seven years civil war, was Apollo Nyegamahe!
He claimed to have lost business in South Sudan. He bagged millions.
How companies were compensated: Aponye (U) Limited $13m, Rubya Investments Limited $2.4m, Kibungo Enterprises $9.7m, Afro Kai Limited $2m, Apo General Enterprises $3.2m, Ropani International $3.2m, K.K Transporters $4.8m, Swift Commodities Establishment $811,345, Sunrise Commodities $928,991, Ms Sophie Omari $802,26
MAIZE CASH
The same Aponye was among middlemen given about 100M by the government to buy maize from farmers last year.
Finance minister Matia Kasaija said government injected Shs100 billion to buy off excess maize stock that had resulted into falling corn prices. Government’s intention was to stabilise market prices.
It is however not known whether such huge sums of tax payers’ money was returned to the government coffers.
With such juicy deals, favours, high profile connections in government and being a top man in NRM, no one should again ask, why it’s Aponye (U) Ltd supplying government with trailers full of Maize flour for the vulnerable poor during this lockdown.
ON APONYE WEBSITE
Aponye (U) ltd is a Private Registered company in Uganda, which was incorporated on the 28th February 1989. The Company specializes in Produce buying and selling, Bond facilities and cargo transportation both locally and internationally.
The company offers products which include; white maize grain, beans, maize flour, sugar, salt cooking oil, tea leaves, sorghum, riceand soap.
And the services include real estate and hotel, warehouse facilities and transport.
In addition the company also imports sugar and distributes to wholesalers.
Aponye (U) Ltd is a member of Uganda Manufacturer’s Association (UMA), National Chamber of Commerce, Uganda Export Promotions Board and The Grain Council of Uganda.
“Aponye Uganda limited, is a company that has been striving for the last 30 years to serve Ugandans with quality products and services.” Writes Apollo Nyegamahe on the company website.
