By David Rupiny
Uganda’s first pig iron processing plant has started operations in the southwestern district of Ntungamo. The Terra Industrial Development Company operates the plant.
The facility produces pig iron with 93% purity and supports the country’s policy of adding local value to mineral resources rather than exporting raw iron ore.
Pig iron is an intermediate, crude form of iron with high carbon content (3.5 to 4.5%) made by smelting iron ore. It is used mainly to make steel, cast iron, and ductile iron.
Construction of the 49-billion-shilling plant started in July 2025, and it was actualised within just a year.
Factory Overview
- Operator: Terra Industrial Development Company
- Location: Rwenanura, Ntungamo District
- Managing Director: Kong Dong Sheng
- Purity Output: 93% pure pig iron
- Goal: Advance local mineral beneficiation and enforce the national ban on unprocessed mineral exports.
President Yoweri Museveni met the company leadership regarding the development of the pig iron plant and pledged the Government’s support with the intention of boosting Uganda’s industrialisation agenda and value addition in the mining sector.
On Saturday, 18th July 2026, the State Minister for Privatisation and Investment, Aminah Mukalazi, visited the plant located in Rwenanura Town Council to appreciate the progress of Uganda’s first pig iron processing plant, a landmark investment in the country’s industrial transformation journey.
The minister was received by the Managing Director, Mr. Kong Dong Sheng, and the company’s management team, who guided her through the facility and shared updates on the progress of the project.
The investment marks an important step in Uganda’s drive to promote mineral beneficiation and local value addition by processing locally available resources into industrial products.
The plant is expected to contribute to the growth of Uganda’s manufacturing sector, create employment opportunities, and strengthen local participation across the industrial value chain.
Minister Mukalazi commended Terra Industrial Development Company for its contribution to building a value-added economy and highlighted the importance of investments that support local content, technology transfer, and sustainable industrial development.
The development of Uganda’s first pig iron processing plant reflects the Government’s commitment to attracting strategic investments, promoting domestic manufacturing, and ensuring that the country derives greater economic benefits from its natural resources through value addition.
As Uganda continues to pursue industrial growth, investments such as Terra Industrial Development Company demonstrate the critical role of the private sector in supporting economic transformation, job creation, and the advancement of a competitive manufacturing sector.
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