By Shamim Saad
President Yoweri Museveni has inaugurated Roofings Limited’s Phase IV Cold Rolling Mill Complex in Namanve, a $120 million investment set to further strengthen Uganda’s manufacturing capacity and support industrialization.
The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with Level Two Automation, has an annual production capacity of 300,000 metric tonnes. It features advanced machinery for cold rolling, galvanising and colour coating, enabling the production of high-quality steel products designed to last for up to 30 years.
The investment is expected to enhance Uganda’s capacity to meet growing demand for steel products while expanding the country’s manufacturing footprint and strengthening its position as a regional production hub serving markets across East Africa.
During the inauguration, President Museveni commended the Chairman of Roofings Group Uganda, Dr. Sikandar Lalani, and his team for their contribution to Uganda’s industrialization agenda, particularly through import substitution and value addition.
He said that when the NRM came to power in 1986, they outlined our economic vision in the Ten-Point Programme, including the development of an independent, integrated and self-sustaining economy.
“This investment is an important step in our industrialization journey. It strengthens local value addition, creates employment opportunities for our people and reduces dependence on imported intermediate products. Uganda has abundant iron ore resources, including high-grade iron ore, and we must use these resources to build a competitive steel industry.” President emphasized.
The President also noted that Roofings Uganda currently has an annual turnover of Shs1.2 trillion and employs more than 2,000 Ugandans, underscoring the company’s contribution to employment creation and economic growth.
President Museveni also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to promoting intra-regional trade, pledging to engage his counterparts in the East African Community (EAC) to address barriers hindering the free movement of goods and business within the region.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sikandar Lalani said the inauguration of the Phase IV facility marks a significant milestone in Roofings Group’s journey to advance local manufacturing and contribute to Uganda’s industrial growth.
“We are proud to mark the inauguration of Phase IV of our Level 2 Ultra Modern Cold Rolling Mill Complex, a significant milestone in our journey to advance local manufacturing and contribute to Uganda’s industrial growth,” Dr. Lalani said.
The facility represents a significant addition to Uganda’s industrial infrastructure, supporting increased local production, value addition and reduced reliance on imported steel products.
The inauguration brought together Government officials, industry leaders, investors and other key stakeholders to celebrate the investment and its contribution to Uganda’s manufacturing and industrialization agenda.
ENDS
