The ongoing construction of a one trillion-shilling cement and clinker factory in Moroto district has become a source of income for over 600 reformed Karimojong cattle rustlers, who are benefiting from the factory even before it starts operations.
The factory, which is situated in Nanduget Town Council in Moroto district, has already begun changing the lives of many reformed rustlers who handed over their guns to the government but initially struggled to find employment.
Currently, the youth are working as helpers at the site, while others have quickly learned to become masons without formal training, receiving on-the-job training instead.
By 6 a.m., hundreds of reformed rustlers assemble at the site, where they are briefed by safety officers to ensure everyone wears safety gear.
This is one of the mega cement and clinker factories that Karamoja is now proud of, after being exploited by other companies that would only carry raw materials out of the region to process them elsewhere.
“This is our own factory. Come and see—99% of the workers inside are from Karamoja, and this is what we have been lacking all along,” said Mark Louisa, one of the workers.
According to Louisa, since he joined the factory as a helper in construction, he has been able to buy a plot of land and will soon begin developing it.
The factory is being set up by West International Holding Limited, a subsidiary of China Cement Limited (Stock Code 2233.HK), a Hong Kong-listed company, which has raised some curiosity among locals.
President Museveni, while leading the groundbreaking ceremony for the factory, expressed his desire for all people in the Karamoja region to benefit from the ongoing industrial development in the area.
Mr. Ambrose Byona, the director of the company, said hundreds of youth, especially from Karamoja, will be employed.
“We have set up this factory to help uplift the living conditions of the people of Karamoja,” he said.
Mr. Byona added that the factory will drastically reduce the price of cement, making it easier for people in Karamoja to build homes and helping to prevent the environmental destruction caused by other construction methods.
