All roads led to eastern district of Buikwe as the government commissioned the construction of a $200m cement factory on August 10.
Located on 50 acres, the three million tonne a year grinding station is a joint effort by Ugandan and Chinese investors under the West International Holding (WIH) group.
Ministers Peter Lokeris for Karamoja affairs, Balaam Barugahara for state (youth and children affairs), and Diana Mutasingwa for state (Vice President’s office) who also doubles as Buikwe District Member of Parliament witnessed the commissioning.
The factory is the second project by WHI after President Museveni commissioned another factory in Moroto.
“Upon completion, the Buikwe grinding station will create over 1500 direct and indirect jobs while stimulating economic growth and development as well as uplifting social economic transformation,” a statement from WHI said.
Minister Lokeris hailed WIH, which was represented by group President Wang Fayin, over continued investment in Uganda and for prioritizing value addition.
The minister also commended the Government of Uganda, which has taken deliberate action to encourage investment in the country.
Mutasingwa said: “Our people need jobs. Our youth are dedicated to development, and this is one of the many ways in which we will change our lives as a community.”
Barugahara urged the people, especially the youth, to “embrace investment, development, hard work, and politics of development” as they look to improve their livelihoods.
He also underscored the focus on promoting the manufacturing sector as a key pillar of the ruling National Resistance Movement government that will create employment for young people.
“He noted that the interaction between the People of China and Uganda will teach our young people vital skills through Knowledge and technological transfer,” WHI said.
“Barugahara also observed that these jobs will have a multiplier effect right across the country, adding that the Government, working with the private sector, is focused on promoting the local production of manufacturing materials,” he added.
Wang Fayin commended the investment climate in Uganda, saying the project would produce three million tonnes of cement every year, while creating more jobs and contributing to the development of Uganda.
According to Fayin, the construction period will take 12 months.
The factory, Wang added, would reduce the country’s dependence on importation of raw material in the manufacture of cement.
