UGANDA MOVES TO CUT CLINKER IMPORTATION AS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS YAOBAI FACTORY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in the company of the Former Prime
Minister of Ethiopia, H.E Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, has today
presided over the commissioning of Phase One of a 6,000-tonne cement
clinker production line by Yaobai Cement. The facility is located in
Nanduget , Moroto District.

President Museveni commended H.E Hailemariam for his role in guiding
West China Cement to invest in Uganda.

He also expressed gratitude to the board Chairman of West China
Cement, a conglomerate of Yaobai International holding Cement factory
in Uganda, Mr. Zang Jiewen, for helping Uganda reduce its reliance on
imported clinker.

“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.

The President further thanked the Government of China for encouraging
its citizens to invest in Africa, highlighting ongoing Chinese investments
in sectors such as infrastructure and manufacturing.

He pledged government support to ensure a favorable tax regime for the
factory, emphasizing the importance of aligning with national investment
policies.

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

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

H.E Hailemariam, who is the Africa Regional Ambassador of West China
Cement, guided on the mutual benefit for China – Africa investment that
he said is capable of aiding development and real economic
transformation.

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

Similarly, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth
Nankabirwa applauded the transformation of Karamoja from a conflict-
prone region into a center of industrial growth.

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

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

The Moroto District LCV Chairman Anjello Pulkol noted that 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.

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

Mr. Zang revealed that the project, with an estimated investment of over
$300 million, is expected to produce up to 2 million tonnes of clinker
annually and 3 million tonnes of cement, generating approximately $300
million in annual output value and creating 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 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, Mr. 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.

The Chargé d’Affaires of China 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.