Museveni Commissions Moroto Cement Plant, Ends Costly Clinker Imports

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the Yaobai Clinker Cement Factory in Moroto District, marking a significant step in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen local industrial capacity and reduce reliance on imports.

Speaking at the launch in Karamoja on Friday afternoon, Museveni praised the investment by Chinese partners, particularly Chairman Paul Zhang and the consortium of West 7 China companies, as well as the China government, for supporting Uganda’s industrialization agenda.

The President noted that the factory is already producing 85 percent clinker—an essential intermediate product in cement manufacturing—describing it as a major milestone for the country’s construction sector.

He emphasized that Uganda has long been spending substantial resources importing clinker, a situation he said will now be significantly reversed.

“This investment will save the country money and reduce ‘kushaka’,” Museveni said, referring to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs in the production chain.

He further stressed that clinker, as an intermediate product, should not be subjected to taxation, and pledged to investigate reports suggesting otherwise to ensure a more favorable business environment for manufacturers.

Museveni also welcomed former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who attended the commissioning ceremony, describing his presence as a symbol of growing regional cooperation and solidarity.

President Yoweri Museveni waves at guests receiving him for the launch. The president is accompanied by former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn

The commissioning of the Moroto-based plant is expected to enhance Uganda’s self-sufficiency in cement production, lower construction costs, and spur economic activity in the Karamoja sub-region, which has historically lagged behind in industrial development.