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The new Clinker and Cement plant located in Moroto, northern Uganda
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Commissioning of Phase One of a 6,000-tonne cement clinker production line by Yaobai Cement is set to significantly slash the importation bill for this essential raw material in cement manufacturing, and save the country millions of dollars.
The factory, which is located in in Nanduget , Moroto District, was commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni, in the company of the Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe.
Museveni commended Hailemariam for his role in guiding West China Cement to invest in Uganda, and expressed gratitude to the board Chairman of West China Cement, a conglomerate of Yaobai International holding Cement factory in Uganda, Zang Jiewen, for helping Uganda reduce its reliance on imported clinker.
“I am very glad that Zang, with the guidance of Hailemariam, has saved us from importing clinker,” he said, noting that clinker constitutes about 85% of cement production and had previously been sourced from abroad.
Museveni 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, Museveni noted that Karamoja, once among the least developed regions, is now emerging as an industrial hub due to its abundant natural resources.
President Museveni and Zang displaying the MOU signed by the two parties for commencement of Clinker and Cement production in Uganda
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, including key roads connecting Moroto, Kotido, and surrounding areas.
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.
Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, 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, Ambrose Byoona, revealed that the project was inspired by the President’s vision to establish a clinker factory in Karamoja.
Anjello Pulkol, the Moroto District LCV Chairman 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.
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, 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, hailed Government’s commitment to strengthen Uganda–China relations, noting that such partnerships continue to yield tangible development outcomes.
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