Museveni Pledges Support for Ntungamo Iron Ore Processing Plant

President Yoweri Museveni has thrown his backing behind Terra Industrial Development Company’s new pig iron processing plant in Rwenanura, Ntungamo District. This move is anticipated to significantly bolster Uganda’s industrialization drive and promote value addition within the nation’s mining sector.

During a meeting at State Lodge, Nakasero, with company officials led by Managing Director Mr. Kong Dong Sheng, President Museveni was briefed on the factory, reportedly Uganda’s first pig iron processing facility with a reported 93 percent purity level. This development signifies a crucial step towards processing minerals domestically rather than exporting raw materials.

“I will support you. Remember, we banned the export of unprocessed minerals,” President Museveni stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maximizing employment, industrial growth, and revenue through local processing.

The investors highlighted several infrastructure challenges impacting their operations, including the need for a consistent electricity supply and the urgent rehabilitation of the Kategure Bridge and the road connecting the plant to the Ntungamo–Mirama Hills road and Kabale–Ntungamo highway.

President Museveni assured the investors that the government would address these infrastructure bottlenecks to facilitate production and investment expansion. He also welcomed the investors’ diversification into the health manufacturing sector through Sino-Africa Medical Devices, which produces mosquito nets.

The government is considering allocating funds for local procurement of these mosquito nets, promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports. The meeting was also attended by Hajjat Amina Mukalazi of the State House Local Content Unit.

Source: State House (Uganda)