By Spy Uganda
On Saturday 21st September, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni hosted a prayer service in memory of the late Hasmukh Kanji Patel.
Mr. Patel popularly known as Hasu was the chairman of Tororo Cement. He died on August 29, 2024, after a short illness, according to his family and Tororo Cement management.
The prayer service held at State Lodge Nakasero was led by Bishop Joshua Lwere.
During his speech, President Museveni shared his personal reflections on faith, community and the power of actions over labels.
President Museveni emphasised that the teachings of Jesus promote unity among different faiths and expressed discontent over divisions among religions.
He referenced the parable of the Good Samaritan, saying, “Jesus taught that we shall know them by their fruits, not by their labels.”
“This business of Christians versus Muslims versus Hindus should not be such a big issue. Hasu was doing the work of God. You don’t have to be a Christian to be appreciated by God.”
The President noted that many people who identify as Christians or Muslims often retain traditional beliefs.
“98% of those who say they are Christians and Muslims are actually traditional believers. Holiness is in the actions of people.”
He underscored that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) values individuals based on their actions and contributions to society.
Celebrating the accomplishments of the Patel family, President Museveni remarked, “You are hard workers. I don’t buy the idea of people who claim to be Christians but don’t work.”
He praised their successful management of Tororo Cement and their plans to build a factory in Karamoja, projecting an annual income of $900 million.
President Museveni also encouraged Ugandans to emulate Patel family’s disciplined approach to business, saying they are a good example of hard-work constructive spending.
He further expressed gratitude to Maama Janet for recognizing the dedication of Mr. Patel and his family and keeping him informed about their services to the nation.
“I want to thank Maama very much. She noticed these young people and kept informing me. Thank you for noticing their dedication and informing me, otherwise I would never have known them,” he said.
On the other hand, President Museveni invited more Indian businesspeople to consider investing in Uganda.
“I want to thank Hon. Sam Kutesa for accurately identifying this serious group when he was the Minister of State for Investment.”
On her part, Maama Janet expressed deep condolences to the family of the late Chairman and thanked them for their contribution towards the development of Uganda.
“This day is one we had to fulfil to honour a friend’s family who stood with us in life. In death, we must also stand with his family to give our condolences,” she said.
“I first knew him in a letter he was writing to the President saying there was work he wanted to do in Uganda. He asked that this work be identified by the First Lady because he had been watching her speak about God, always moving with the Bible. I wondered how someone I didn’t know could follow my work to that extent.”
The First Lady went ahead and narrated that she met Mr. Patel in person for the first time during a visit to Tororo Cement last year where he informed her about his health issues.
“It was unfortunate when we heard that he had died so suddenly and quickly,” she said.
Maama Janet also emphasised the need to support Mr. Patel’s children and the Tororo Cement family.
“Working with them has truly humbled me. I have worked with many Christians, but the work they do, serving the community, building churches and schools, testifies to the excellence of their efforts. There are people who may not openly identify as Christians, yet they are God-fearing, and walking with them is a humbling experience,” she said.
“Their willingness to serve and give a significant percentage of their earnings to the weak, orphans, and the disabled is commendable. When I told them about our children’s village in Masulita, they willingly helped to rebuild and rehabilitate it. They have been providing wheelchairs, solar lamps, exercise books, and much more.”
The Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Kutesa, who was a friend to the late Patel, expressed gratitude to President Museveni and the First Lady for organising the prayer service.
“I also want to thank you for the condolence message you sent when we were saying goodbye to Hasu in Mombasa,” he said.
Hon. Kutesa recounted his first encounter with the Patel family in the 1990s.
“At that time, our government had decided on privatising industries that weren’t functioning. Among the industries being privatised were HimaCement and Tororo Cement. Prior to this, all cement in our country was being imported, primarily from Tanga Cement in Tanzania or Bamburi Cement in Kenya.”
He explained that many bidders sought to acquire Tororo Cement merely to resell it, but the Patel family, through Mombasa Cement, presented a genuine plan for development.
“That’s how the government gave it to them. Since they took over in the 1990s, they have not only revived it but also expanded it, and now it is still running,” Hon. Kutesa noted.
“Hasu took over when his father and uncles passed away. Beyond being a good businessman, he was a philanthropist. He didn’t only work here in Uganda; in Mombasa, he was feeding the poor, building schools, and even sought to establish a facility for the disabled—the largest in Africa.”
Hon. Kutesa also shared a personal story about Mr. Patel’s kindness.
“Last year, when he came for the expansion of Tororo Cement, I had just returned from the hospital. He decided to visit me in Kampala and asked what he could do to help. I mentioned my thoughts on building a church, and he offered to help build a church and school in Sembabule. He was also finishing a church in memory of those who started the East African revival in my part of the world.”
On behalf of the Patel family, Mr. Manish Varsani, shared heartfelt memories of his uncle, who dedicated his life to uplifting the most vulnerable in society.
“My uncle was not just my family; he was a friend and mentor. He devoted himself to helping orphans, widows, the disabled, and those in need of medical assistance. He never considered religion or tribe; his heart was open to all,” Mr. Varsani remarked.
He also announced that in honour of his late uncle’s legacy, they will set up a $25 million hospital in Luzira.
“We look forward to discussing this with you, Your Excellency and Maama.”
Tororo Cement is one of Uganda’s largest industries, manufacturing about 1.8 million metric tonnes of cement per annum. Other products include galvanised iron, steel products (iron sheets, barbed wires) and nails.
The 58-year-old business mogul also owned the Mombasa Cement Company and he was always among the industrialists President Museveni hailed for their enormous contribution towards the economic revitalization of Uganda.
