PRO Industries Pte Limited has rejected claims that it is withholding payments from a maize supplier, saying an internal review uncovered discrepancies and inflated figures in the supplier’s account.
The company said the dispute escalated on August 13, 2026, when a protest was staged outside its facility in Ndibuluungi, Butuntumula Sub-county, Luwero District.
PRO Industries said it also received evidence that some of its weighbridge personnel were threatened and pressured in an alleged attempt to manipulate records used to determine the quantities of maize delivered and payments due to suppliers.
The company said its weighbridge records are a key part of its procurement controls and any attempt to interfere with them could undermine the integrity of payments made to farmers and suppliers.
Vasundhara Oswal, the founder and executive director of PRO Industries, said the company would not be pressured into making payments that are not supported by its records.
“What initially appeared to be a supplier demanding additional payment has become much more serious following our review. We identified inflated figures in the supplier’s statement and have received evidence concerning threats made to our weighbridge personnel in an attempt to manipulate records,” Oswal said.
“We will not allow anybody to intimidate our employees or pressure this company into paying money based upon false or manipulated information,” she added.
According to the company, it had invited the supplier on several occasions to meet its accounts department and reconcile the disputed figures, but the invitations were not taken up.
PRO Industries said it also proposed a memorandum of understanding under which it would make an immediate payment of 50 per cent of the undisputed amount, with the remaining balance to be settled after a reconciliation of the accounts.
The company said it remains willing to examine any genuine claim supported by invoices, delivery records, weighbridge slips, goods received records and payment records.
However, it said it would not accept inflated statements, intimidation of employees, attempts to manipulate records or public demonstrations as a means of forcing it to make additional payments.
PRO Industries also sought to distance the dispute from the wider community of Ugandan farmers and suppliers with whom it does business.
The company said it was concerned that the actions of one supplier could create a negative impression of thousands of farmers, traders and suppliers who conduct business honestly.
Riddhi Oswal, a director at PRO Industries, said the company’s experience with Uganda’s agricultural community has largely involved hardworking farmers and suppliers who depend on transparent measurements and fair payment.
“It is a shame that conduct of this nature can create such a damaging impression when the overwhelming majority of Ugandan farmers we work with are honest, hardworking people. They should not be associated with attempts to inflate accounts, interfere with weighbridge records or use threats and public pressure to obtain money,” she said.
The company said no legitimate outstanding amount had been established as payable to the supplier and that its review had identified what it described as material discrepancies and inflated figures in the statement being relied upon.
PRO Industries said it had preserved relevant records and evidence and would continue cooperating with the appropriate authorities.
“If somebody has a genuine claim, they should prove it through genuine records. A company cannot be expected to pay money simply because somebody creates a public disturbance and demands it,” Vasundhara said.
“We will always pay what is legitimately due, but we will never knowingly pay against inflated, fraudulent or manipulated records.”
Company highlights environmental efforts
Separately, PRO Industries said it remains compliant with Uganda’s environmental requirements following a recent audit by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The company said the audit confirmed its compliance and that environmental protection remains part of its operations.
It said it has planted more than 200 trees and plants within the wetland area surrounding its facility as part of its environmental restoration efforts.
PRO Industries also said it has supported neighbouring communities by providing access to fresh water and constructing a road to improve transport and movement of agricultural produce and other essential goods.
Riddhi Oswal said the company’s commitment to Luwero extends beyond its factory operations.
“Uganda is not simply where we operate — it is where we live, work and grow alongside our communities. We are proud to have provided fresh water to our neighbouring communities, built a road that has made transportation easier for local villages, and planted more than 200 trees and plants in the wetland area,” she said.
“We will continue investing in the people and the beautiful Ugandan environment that we all share,” she added.
