Museveni commissions Yaobai cement factory in Karamoja

On April 24, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially commissioned the Yaobai cement factory in Nadunget sub-county, Moroto district, Karamoja sub-region.

Officials say this milestone marks a transformative leap for Uganda’s industrial and economic landscape.

The $300 million clinker cement factory produces 6,000 tonnes of clinker cement daily during its first operational phase, manufacturing both composite and ordinary portland cement essential for major infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, railways, and residential buildings.

President Museveni highlighted that the launch of this domestic clinker cement factory will save Uganda approximately $260 million previously spent on importing clinker raw materials.

He praised Chinese investors for their reliable commitment to Uganda’s mineral refining and industrialisation ambitions.

In support of foreign investment, the President reiterated a ten-year tax exemption policy and warned tax enforcement officers against violating this provision.

Moreover, he banned taxes on industrial raw materials including clinker used in cement production, further enabling industrial growth.

The President expressed optimism about Karamoja’s potential as a mineral development hub, pointing to vast untapped mineral deposits, including hundreds of millions of tonnes of limestone.

Plans are underway to establish another cement factory to capitalize on these resources. He emphasised sustainable mineral development strategies designed to directly benefit the local socio-economic transformation of Karamoja.

Key infrastructural developments were also confirmed for the sub-region, including the near-completion of major roads such as Moroto-Kotido, Kotido-Kabong, and Mbale-Namale.

These projects, aligned with the government’s long-standing NRM Ten Point Program, demonstrate steady commitment to Karamoja’s growth.

Representing Chinese interests, former Ethiopian Premier Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, Africa Regional Ambassador for West China Cement (part of Yaobai International Holding), underscored the mutual benefits of China-Africa partnerships in driving development and economic transformation.

Vice President Jesca Alupo encouraged the Karamoja community to engage proactively with ongoing development initiatives spanning infrastructure, health, education, and wealth creation, urging preservation and protection of these gains.

Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development reported significant advancements in Uganda’s per capita cement production capacity, now bolstered by five cement factories including the new Yaobai facility.

This surge is reducing the country’s cement import deficit and improving the balance of payments. She highlighted government efforts to ensure sustainable power supply to Karamoja’s industries and called for continued peace and stability to maximize development benefits.

Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, affirmed that strategic electrification and industrial power provision have catalyzed visible development and job creation in the sub-region.

He noted that Karamoja’s growing industrial output is positively impacting Uganda’s balance of payments with quality products meeting regional and global demand.

Zang Jiewen, Chairperson of China West Cement and part of Yaobai International Holdings, confirmed the high quality of Ugandan cement inputs supporting advanced production processes.

The factory aims to synergize technology and industry standards to drive construction sector growth within Uganda’s legal frameworks.

Interim Chinese Ambassador Fan Xuecheng congratulated President Museveni on his recent re-election and reaffirmed the strong mutually beneficial China-Uganda partnership, calling for continued collaboration.

Ugandan partner Ambrose Byoona shared promising business prospects for the Yaobai Cement Factory, reflecting confidence in the venture’s future.

Moroto district LC5 chairperson Koryang David hailed the industrial revolution sweeping across Karamoja and thanked President Museveni for integrating the region into the national development agenda and recognized the transformative impact of these large-scale manufacturing plants.