Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the Simba Cement plant in Mukuju Sub-County in Tororo District in Eastern Uganda.

The factory, which currently employs about 400 workers, was built in two and half years by Mepani Technical Services, at an estimated cost of US$55m. It is the second cement plant in Tororo District.

President Museveni, who on arrival at the factory made an inspection tour of the facility, urged Ugandans to be enterprising and disciplined. He added that, with the abundant natural resources with which Uganda is endowed, there is tremendous potential for development.

Musaveni commended the pledge by the factory to employ local youths and advised the company to employ at least 30% youth workers. He also praised Tororo District for the peaceful approach in handling their district’s matters.

The Managing Director of Simba Cement factory, Guru Narendra Raval, said that the reduction in the price of cement due to the new capacity the plant had brought was in line with President Museveni's dream of having Ugandans living in cemented houses. He said, “The President asked me to build a cement factory and now I have built it. I am not here to make profits but to make Ugandan lives better.”