President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has warned Ugandans against the use of second-hand clothes otherwise called thrifts, as a move to promoting home brands and developing the country.
The president said this during the commissioning of at least 15 factories at Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park on Thursday, where he also said thrifts will no longer be imported into the country, stressing that they are clothes previously worn by dead people.
“Stop buying second-hand clothes. These clothes are for dead people. When they die, they organise the clothes and send them to Africa.
“The clothes are shipped here for our people to wear. I wonder who collects them and brings them here. I have decided to put my foot down and say no to imported second-hand clothes,” he said.
President Museveni urged Ugandans to stop patronising these second-hand clothes, adding that he has declared war on these fairly used items to create job opportunities in the textile industry. He said anyone who goes against his command will be severely dealt with.
“I have declared war on second-clothes to promote African wear.…Anybody who will stand in my way, I will crash him. We will not allow second-hand clothes to enter into the country anymore.”
He also appreciated the Chinese investors who set up factories at the park to produce brand new items.
“Today, I have commissioned 15 factories and broken the ground for another nine. A total of 2,000 jobs and 40 factories have been established.”
The president also said by the beginning of September, electricity meters and cables will be produced locally.
“I have declared war on second-clothes to promote African wear. … Anybody who will stand in my way, I will crash him. We will not allow second-hand clothes to enter into the country anymore.”
