Museveni launches Chinese factory in Karamoja to boost cement production

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Uganda has taken a significant step towards reducing its reliance on imported clinker following the commissioning of a new production facility in Moroto district.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, on Friday, April 24, 2026, presided over the launch of Phase One of a 6,000-tonne cement clinker production line by Yaobai Cement at Nanduget.

Museveni credited Hailemariam for his role in guiding West China Cement to invest in Uganda and thanked the firm’s chairman, Zang Jiewen, for supporting efforts to cut clinker imports.

“I am very glad that Mr Zang, with the guidance of Hailemariam, has saved us from importing clinker,” President Museveni said, noting that clinker constitutes about 85% of cement production and had previously been sourced from abroad.

He also praised the Government of China for encouraging investment in Africa, highlighting its growing footprint in infrastructure and manufacturing across Uganda.

The President pledged continued government support, particularly in maintaining a favourable tax environment for investors, while also pointing to ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Karamoja, including roads linking Moroto, Kotido and surrounding areas.

Reflecting on regional development, President Yoweri Museveni noted that Karamoja, once among the least developed regions, is now emerging as an industrial hub due to its abundant natural resources.

Karamoja industrial rise

The President reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, including key roads connecting Moroto, Kotido and surrounding areas.

Hailemariam, the Africa regional ambassador of West China Cement, guided on the mutual benefits of China-Africa investment, which he said are capable of aiding development and real economic transformation.

Vice President Jessica Alupo commended President Museveni for creating a stable and attractive investment climate that continues to draw investors into the country.

On her part, energy and mineral development minister Ruth Nankabirwa applauded the transformation of Karamoja from a conflict-prone region into a centre of industrial growth.

She noted that with ongoing infrastructure development, Uganda is on course to achieve its economic targets.

The local partner, Ambrose Byoona, revealed that the project was inspired by President Museveni’s vision to establish a clinker factory in Karamoja.

Moroto district LC5 chairperson Anjello Pulkol said the factory has created employment opportunities and improved livelihoods in the region. He credited the President for restoring peace in Karamoja, which has made such investments possible.

Project impact

West China Cement chairman Zang Jiewen expressed appreciation to President Museveni, the Chinese Embassy and all stakeholders for their support throughout the project’s construction. He emphasised that the plant represents a major milestone in strengthening Uganda’s industrial base.

Jiewen revealed that the project, with an estimated investment of over $300 million (sh1.12 trillion), is expected to produce up to 2 million tonnes of clinker annually and 3 million tonnes of cement, and create more than 3,500 jobs upon full operation.

He added that the project will significantly reduce Uganda’s clinker import bill, saving an estimated $200 million (sh740 billion) annually in foreign exchange.

Beyond Uganda, the plant is expected to serve regional markets including South Sudan, western Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, thereby strengthening the East African supply chain and contributing to regional integration goals.

On behalf of West China Cement, Zang reaffirmed the company’s commitment to high-quality investment, technological advancement and environmentally sustainable production, with plans to establish a modern, low-emission industrial ecosystem in the region.

China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Uganda, Fan Xuecheng, praised President Museveni’s leadership and commitment to strengthening Uganda–China relations, noting that such partnerships continue to yield tangible development outcomes.