Minister Directs UIA to Secure Land for Iron Ore Processing Factory

Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) has been tasked by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero, to identify a significant parcel of land. This land is intended for Roofings Group, a major player in the steel sector, to construct a new factory. The facility will specialize in processing iron ore into high-grade finished products, a crucial step in the nation’s value chain development.

Dr. Musenero conveyed this directive ahead of an upcoming visit by President Yoweri Museveni to Roofings’ new facility in Namanve, Mukono District. The company, which has relocated its operations to Namanve, plans to further expand its capabilities, with future discussions possibly focusing on automotive-grade steel production.

“I don’t see any other company ready to provide for us that, and I don’t think it is also in the [East African] region,” Dr. Musenero noted, highlighting the strategic importance of this venture. The President’s visit will coincide with the inauguration of a new manufacturing plant and the unveiling of Roofings’ multibillion-shilling investment plan, bolstered by a recently acquired minerals exploration license.

Roofings has been granted an exploration license for iron ore in a specific region of Mukono and has secured allocations for limestone reserves in Moroto, described as “the best reserve for limestone.” The company aims to produce high-quality output, aligning with government objectives. Their ambitious plan includes a blast furnace with a capacity of up to 1.5 million tonnes, projected to create 5,000 direct jobs and an additional 24,000 indirect employment opportunities.

This initiative represents a significant move upstream in Uganda’s mineral resource exploitation strategy, with Roofings transitioning from assembling partially processed components to localizing more advanced manufacturing processes.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)