FAMReports News Desk | April 2026
President Yoweri Museveni has officially commissioned the Yaobai Clinker Cement Factory in Moroto District, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards industrial self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on imports.
The launch of the factory in the Karamoja sub region represents a strategic investment aimed at strengthening Uganda’s manufacturing sector, particularly in cement production. Clinker, a key raw material in cement manufacturing, has historically been imported at a high cost, placing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
With the establishment of the Yaobai facility, Uganda is now producing an estimated 85 percent of its clinker requirements locally. This development is expected to significantly reduce import costs and improve the competitiveness of Uganda’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Moroto, President Museveni emphasized the importance of value addition and local production in achieving sustainable economic growth. He noted that the investment aligns with the government’s broader strategy of promoting industrialisation and reducing dependency on external markets.
The President also expressed appreciation to Chairman Paul Zhang and the Chinese investors under the West 7 group of companies, as well as the Government of China, for their continued support in advancing Uganda’s industrial agenda. He highlighted the role of international partnerships in accelerating technology transfer and capital investment into key sectors of the economy.
Museveni underscored that the factory will contribute to national development by creating employment opportunities, particularly for youth in the Karamoja region, while also stimulating related industries such as transport, construction and mining.
“This investment will save the country significant costs and reduce unnecessary imports, strengthening our economic independence,” Museveni noted, reiterating his long standing position on building a self reliant economy.
The commissioning ceremony was also attended by Hailemariam Desalegn, whose presence highlighted the regional significance of the project and the growing interest in Africa’s industrialisation efforts.
The Yaobai Clinker Cement Factory is expected to play a critical role in supporting Uganda’s infrastructure development, including road construction, housing and industrial projects. By lowering the cost of cement production, the factory could lead to more affordable construction materials, thereby accelerating development across multiple sectors.
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Beyond economic gains, the project is also seen as a catalyst for transforming the Karamoja sub region, which has historically lagged behind in industrial development. Increased investment in the area is anticipated to improve livelihoods, enhance skills development and attract further industrial projects.
As Uganda continues to implement its industrialisation agenda, projects such as the Yaobai factory underscore the country’s commitment to leveraging local resources for long term growth. The focus on domestic production and value addition remains central to achieving economic resilience and positioning Uganda as a manufacturing hub within the region.
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