Steven Ariong, Moroto – A group of youths, elders, and women in the Karamoja region have expressed their joy to President Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to establish a factory in Karamoja.
Currently, there is high-speed construction of a one trillion cement and clinker factory being set up by West International Holding Limited, a subsidiary of China West Cement Limited (Stock Code 2233.HK), a Hong Kong-listed company that was under fire for poor worker conditions.
The factory, which President Museveni himself led the groundbreaking for earlier this year, will employ more than 2,000 people when it is completed in 2025.
Located on 200 acres of land in Nadunget sub-county, Moroto district, the factory will produce about 6,000 to 7,000 tonnes per day of clinker and cement, making it one of the largest factories in Uganda.
It is also expected to reduce the importation of raw materials for cement factories in other parts of Uganda and preserve the newly constructed road from damage caused by heavy trucks.
Matthew Lokut, a resident, said that the construction of the first factory in Karamoja since colonial rule marks another milestone for President Museveni and the NRM, ensuring strong support in Karamoja during the 2026 general elections.
“We are ready to give NRM double support in the 2026 general elections as our appreciation for fulfilling the pledge,” he said.
According to Lokut, President Museveni has improved the road linking Karamoja to other regions and ensured the region is fully connected to the national grid, which was not the case under previous governments.
Peter Louse, another elder, praised the speed at which Karamoja is developing and warned those sabotaging the region’s development to back off.
On Monday, NRM Secretary General Mr. Richard Todwong and NRM Electoral Chairperson Mr. Tanga Odoi, accompanied by Karamoja leaders, toured the construction site of the factory.
Mr. Todwong hailed the establishment of the factory, stating that President Museveni aims to develop Karamoja like any other part of Uganda.
Mr. Ambrose Byona, the factory director, expressed that the factory will be a source of pride for the people of Karamoja, sponsoring many Karimojong children and making cement more affordable for construction in the region. He also assured that the factory will help bridge peace among conflicting Karimojong clans, as they will be working together.
“This factory will employ children from Uganda, with the highest number of them coming from Karamoja,” he said.
Minister for Karamoja Affairs Mr. Peter Lokeris Aimat said the government plans to establish many factories in Karamoja and urged leaders to refrain from sabotaging government projects.
