Government-Backed Gas Cylinder Plant Expands Uganda’s Industrial Footprint
In a move that solidifies Luweero’s status as a burgeoning industrial hub, a state of the art gas cylinder manufacturing factory has been commissioned. The factory, owned by Go Cylinder, an Asian firm, is set to play a significant role in Uganda’s industrial landscape. Located near Bombo town on the Kampala Gulu Highway at Nyimbwa, this multi-million-dollar facility was officially unveiled by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa.
The focus of this new factory is on the production of gas cylinders, and a considerable portion of these cylinders is anticipated to be procured by the government for free distribution to the public. The government, through the Ministry of Energy, has outlined plans to distribute over 1 million 13 kg gas cylinders to households, particularly once gas extraction commences in the Albertine region. This initiative aligns with the government’s long-term strategy to encourage the use of gas as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fuel sources like firewood and charcoal.
Minister Francis Mwebesa, during the inauguration ceremony, expressed gratitude to the management of Go Cylinders Limited for their choice to invest in Uganda. He emphasized the significance of this new manufacturing entity, which adds to the country’s efforts in import substitution. Uganda spent $5.5 million on gas cylinder imports in 2021, and this new factory is poised to contribute to the reduction of such imports. Beyond import substitution, it will also create employment opportunities and support the growing oil and gas sector.
Managing Director of Go Cylinder, Ali Tawfiq, took the opportunity to appeal for government assistance in terms of ensuring a reliable power supply and the repair of the access road leading to the factory. Luweero LC5 Chairman Erastro Kibirango assured attendees that the road’s renovation is on the district’s budgetary agenda.
Denis Ainebyona, the Commissioner for Industry at the Ministry of Trade, highlighted the high-quality standards of Go Cylinder products, which have received certification from UNBS (Uganda National Bureau of Standards).
This new gas cylinder factory follows President Museveni’s commissioning of a 12-billion-dollar leather factory in Kawumu, also within the Luweero district. The region is rapidly becoming a hub for manufacturing, boasting around 200 operational manufacturing firms, according to Alice Kaboyo, the State Minister for Luweero.
Luweero’s industrial landscape is further enriched by entities like the Nakaseke-based Kapeeka Industrial Park and Luweero Industries in Nakasongola, operated by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). These developments underscore the region’s growing role in Uganda’s industrial expansion.