Double Q Company Ltd, a Ugandan business involved in the assembly of Sinotruk heavy goods trucks, has initiated the construction of a new assembly plant. This development aims to enhance production to meet the rising demand for these trucks, primarily in the regional market. Currently situated in Busega along the Northern Bypass in Rubaga Division, Kampala, the company produces over 300 trucks annually, but this output falls short of the market’s requirements.
The company’s product range includes Howo Sinotruk, XCMG earth moving equipment, HELI forklifts, and factory loaders. Initially, the company began by importing trucks from China, catering mainly to Chinese road construction firms operating in Uganda. Approximately three years ago, they shifted towards assembling these trucks. Their products are now exported to Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya, where they recently established a new assembly plant to compete with other local assemblers.
Bruce Lin, the General Manager of Double Q, has announced the acquisition of 15 acres of land along the Mpigi highway to facilitate production expansion. The new facility is expected to assemble up to 1000 vehicles annually, with the Sinotruk brand as the dominant product.
Speaking at the company’s 10th-anniversary celebration in Uganda, Bruce Lin revealed that Uganda remains their largest market, with sales doubling annually since 2020. This year, they anticipate selling 600 locally assembled units. Additionally, the demand for earth moving equipment, such as graders and excavators, has been surprising, with 75 units sold in a year.
Concerns have been raised about the safety of Sinotruk trucks due to reported accidents involving these vehicles. Bruce Lin, however, asserts that their trucks adhere to global and Chinese government safety standards and do not pose safety or security issues. He highlights that the rapid growth of the transport sector in Uganda has led to a surge in employment opportunities for drivers. However, there is a need for comprehensive driver training to address accidents, often caused by unskilled drivers.
Government and NRM spokesman, Ofwono Opondo, commends Double Q for pioneering the first truck assembling plant in Uganda. He recognizes the company’s contribution to skills transfer by training hundreds of Ugandans in technical areas. He emphasizes that this will improve with the establishment of a larger facility in Mpigi.
Opondo mentions that Double Q has connected Uganda to neighboring countries, fostering East African integration. He lauds the company’s employment policy and support for skill development among Ugandans.
Double Q Company Ltd, which commenced its operations in Uganda in 2013, initially focused on transportation services. Over time, the company has expanded into spare parts and established an assembly plant in 2019. Managing Director Bruce Lin reports that the company has produced over 600 units, with most being exported to neighboring countries. They currently employ over 300 people, with plans to increase the workforce to 500 in the near future. The company has also supported local businesses and engaged in corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly in the field of education.
During the anniversary celebration, Double Q Co Ltd expressed gratitude by offering prizes to various partners, including washing machines, television sets, fridges, phones, and a Mercedes Benz, which was won by a businessman from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Double Q Co Ltd continues to play a significant role in Uganda’s manufacturing and transportation sectors, contributing to the nation’s business landscape and regional integration.
Regarding concerns about substandard products, Opondo attributes these to some Ugandan businesspeople who import low-quality products from China due to cost considerations, distorting the image of all Chinese imports.
