Moroto, Uganda — High expectations of job creation by the newly established cement and clinker factory in Moroto have been put to the test by locals, who are now cautioning the directors of the factory against selective recruitment of staff.
According to the learned group of Karimojong, they are yet to see the truth in the communications made by the factory directors during the official commissioning of the factory by President Museveni.
According to Mr John Achia, one of the students who completed his postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management, they were keen to listen to statements by each of the factory directors when they told the President that the factory would employ 80% local people from Karamoja and 20% from other regions.
However, Achia revealed that they are already “smelling a rat” in the way jobs are being allocated, including driver positions.
“Yes, we are not against anyone being given a job in this factory, but at least they should give priority to the natives,” he said.
Last month, President Museveni, accompanied by hundreds of foreign investors in Uganda, jetted into Moroto and officially commissioned the clinker factory.
The factory, known as Yaobai Cement Factory, will produce 6,000 tonnes of clinker daily in its first phase.
While commissioning it in Naduget Sub-county, Moroto District, President Museveni said the establishment of a domestic clinker factory would save Uganda approximately 260 million US dollars previously spent on imports of clinker, a key raw material in cement production.
He commended Chinese investors for their continued commitment, describing it as reliable.
Mr Paul Lokut, an elder, also questioned why the factory is not named Karamoja Factory or Moroto Factory instead of using a Chinese name.
“Yes, it is the Chinese setting it up, but the name should reflect the place where the factory is built and where it gets its materials from,” he said.
Mr Lokut also said that unless the factory top management walks the talk, the Karimojong may not feel the impact of the factory.
