Museveni Lauds Roofings' Role in Uganda's Industrial Leap

President Yoweri Museveni has officially opened Phase IV Level 2 of the Ultra-Modern Rolling Mill Complex at Roofings Group in Namanve, Mukono District. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s ongoing industrialisation efforts.

During the event, President Museveni highlighted the historical context of Africa’s industrial development, noting how colonialism hindered indigenous craftsmanship and fostered a reliance on raw material exports. He emphasized that the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) economic vision, initiated in 1986, aimed for a fully monetized, integrated, and self-sustaining economy, with regional integration crucial for market creation.

“A strong market makes it easy for wealth creators to succeed,” President Museveni stated, underscoring the link between market size, job creation, and wealth generation. He commended Roofings Group Chairman, Dr. Sikander Lalani, for his pivotal role in Uganda’s industrial transformation and for championing local value addition. The company has progressed from importing intermediate products to now producing some of them locally, achieving approximately 54 percent local value addition.

With Uganda possessing abundant high-grade iron ore, the President sees potential for a competitive domestic steel industry. He noted Roofings Group’s impressive growth, with a turnover reaching Shs1.2 trillion and exports valued at approximately US $70 million. This investment, he added, leverages international cooperation, drawing technology from Italy and Japan while involving Chinese companies in construction.

Trade Minister Hon. Sanjay Tanna echoed the sentiment, describing the Namanve plant as a testament to the NRM Government’s policies and President Museveni’s leadership, which have fostered peace and stability conducive to investment. He also acknowledged the President’s efforts in reducing industrial electricity costs, making Uganda regionally competitive.

Dr. Lalani expressed gratitude for the President’s presence and acknowledged the crucial role of peace and security in the company’s success. He also thanked government agencies for their support and stressed the importance of stable electricity and improved railway infrastructure.

Roofings Group Director, Mr. Oliver Lalani, added that the company’s growth is bolstered by Uganda’s strong economic fundamentals and the expanding East African market. He reaffirmed Roofings’ commitment to enhancing Uganda’s steel industry and providing quality products, contributing to the nation’s journey towards middle-income status.

This investment significantly bolsters Uganda’s industrial base, aligning with the government’s objectives of promoting local manufacturing, value addition, and job creation, ultimately driving the nation towards a self-sustaining economy.

Source: State House (Uganda)