The inspirational story of James Mulwana (RIP)
Nearly every Ugandan has used a Nice pen, a plastic mug, or a jerrycan. The man who built this reality was the legendary James Mulwana, one of East Africa's finest business minds. Before the corporate boardrooms, rumors suggest he even worked as a bouncer at the famous Suzana nightclub in Nakulabye.
Mulwana was an early hustler who initially ran a mail-order business exporting wooden combs to the UK. His major turning point came when his friend, Dr. William Kalema, convinced him that manufacturing was the future. This connection led him to partner with a British company to manufacture motor batteries right here in Kampala.
From there, his vision expanded massively. He established what is now Nice House of Plastics, becoming the first to manufacture toothbrushes in Africa. He eventually took full ownership of Uganda Batteries Limited, and his plastic production diversified into tableware, packaging, and agricultural sprayers.
His ambition did not stop at industrial manufacturing. In 1986, Mulwana started Jesa Mixed Farm with just 82 Friesian cows, later adding a fully-fledged milk processing plant in 1994. He also co-founded Nsimbe Estates to export cut flowers, proving his incredible versatility as an entrepreneur.
Tragically, Uganda lost this business icon when he passed away on January 15, 2013, at the age of 76. However, unlike many local enterprises that unfortunately collapse after the founder's death, the Mulwana Group of Companies has thrived well into 2026. Under the leadership of his family, including his son Geoffrey and daughter Barbara, the empire has only grown stronger.
Today, Jesa Farm Dairy is a dominant powerhouse across East Africa, operating a state-of-the-art plant that produces premium yoghurt, butter, and fresh milk. Nice House of Plastics and Uganda Batteries also remain absolute market leaders. Mulwana once credited his success to the contribution of many people, and his timeless legacy continues to employ and inspire thousands of Ugandans today.
I hope this story taught you something 🤝
What is your favorite product from the Mulwana Group?