President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, on Saturday together with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, hosted a prayer service in memory of the late Hasmukh Kanji Patel.
Known affectionately as “Hasu,” Patel was the chairman of Tororo Cement and passed away on August 29, 2024, following a brief illness, according to his family and the management of Tororo Cement.
The prayer service, held at the State Lodge in Nakasero, was led by Bishop Joshua Lwere. During the service, President Museveni delivered a speech reflecting on faith, unity, and the importance of actions over religious labels. He emphasized that the teachings of Jesus Christ advocate for unity across different faiths and expressed concern over religious divisions. Citing the parable of the Good Samaritan, Museveni said, “Jesus taught that we shall know them by their fruits, not by their labels.”
He added, “This business of Christians versus Muslims versus Hindus should not be a big issue. Hasu was doing the work of God. You don’t have to be a Christian to be appreciated by God.” Museveni also pointed out that many who identify as Christians or Muslims still adhere to traditional beliefs, stating that “98% of those who say they are Christians and Muslims are actually traditional believers. Holiness is in the actions of people.”
He further emphasized that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) values individuals based on their contributions to society, rather than their religious affiliations. Commending the Patel family’s work ethic and success, 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 management of Tororo Cement and plans to build a new factory in Karamoja, projecting an annual income of $900 million.
The President also encouraged Ugandans to emulate the Patel family’s disciplined approach to business and hard work, noting that they set a strong example of constructive spending. He expressed his appreciation to the First Lady for recognizing the dedication of Mr. Patel and his family, saying, “I want to thank Maama very much. She noticed these young people and kept informing me about their dedication and services to the nation.”
President Museveni also took the opportunity to invite more Indian businesspeople to invest in Uganda, thanking Hon. Sam Kutesa for identifying the Patel family as a serious and committed group during his tenure as Minister of State for Investment.
In her remarks, First Lady Janet Museveni extended heartfelt condolences to the Patel family and praised their contributions to Uganda’s development. “This day is one we had to fulfill to honor a friend’s family who stood with us in life. In death, we must also stand with his family to offer our condolences,” she said. She recounted how she first learned of Mr. Patel through a letter he wrote to the President, expressing his desire to contribute to Uganda’s development.
“I first knew him through a letter where he expressed his interest in doing work in Uganda. He had been following my speeches about God, always noticing that I carried a Bible. I wondered how someone I didn’t know could be so aware of my work,” the First Lady remarked. She later met Mr. Patel in person during a visit to Tororo Cement, where he informed her of his health challenges.
Reflecting on Mr. Patel’s legacy, Maama Janet emphasized the importance of supporting his children and the broader Tororo Cement family. “Working with them has humbled me. Though many do not openly identify as Christians, they are God-fearing. Their willingness to serve and give back to the weak, orphans, and disabled is commendable.” She noted that the Patel family had generously supported various charitable initiatives, including providing wheelchairs, solar lamps, and exercise books to disadvantaged communities.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Kutesa, also shared his gratitude to President Museveni and the First Lady for organizing the prayer service and for the condolence message sent when Mr. Patel was laid to rest in Mombasa. Hon. Kutesa recounted how the Patel family first became involved with Tororo Cement during the 1990s when Uganda was privatizing non-functioning industries. While many sought to acquire Tororo Cement for resale, the Patel family, through Mombasa Cement, presented a genuine plan for its revival and development.
Hon. Kutesa also recalled Mr. Patel’s philanthropic work, noting his contributions to feeding the poor and building schools, both in Uganda and Mombasa. He shared a personal story of Mr. Patel’s generosity, mentioning his offer to help build a church and school in Sembabule, in addition to completing a church commemorating the East African Revival.
Speaking on behalf of the Patel family, Mr. Manish Varsani shared heartfelt memories of his late uncle, praising his lifelong dedication to helping the most vulnerable in society, regardless of their religion or background. He also announced plans to honor Mr. Patel’s legacy by building a $25 million hospital in Luzira, which they hope to discuss further with President Museveni and the First Lady.
Tororo Cement, one of Uganda’s largest industries, produces approximately 1.8 million metric tonnes of cement annually. The company also manufactures other products such as galvanized iron sheets, steel products, and nails. The late Hasmukh Patel, a 58-year-old industrialist, also owned Mombasa Cement and was widely recognized by President Museveni for his significant contributions to Uganda’s economic revitalization.
The prayer service was attended by several dignitaries, including Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Member of Parliament for Mawogola North, Mr. Edwin Karugire, and Mr. Patel’s sons—Kirtan Patel, Dhruv Patel, and Dharshak Patel, among others.
