EDITOR
A section of Kabale District Councilors is urging the government to prioritize establishing an iron ore factory in Kabale, emphasizing the district’s vast mineral wealth. Kabale holds over 32 million metric tons of iron ore, while the wider Kigezi Sub-region boasts more than 85 million metric tons, making it a strategic location for the proposed steel plant.
Their demand follows President Yoweri Museveni’s March 1st directive, tasking a ministerial committee, chaired by Education Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni, with finalizing plans for a steel factory in Ankole and Kigezi. However, concerns arose after State Minister for Trade David Bahati revealed that Ntungamo District was being considered as a potential site, despite having no known iron ore deposits.
During a Kabale District Council meeting, leaders expressed frustration over the possibility of losing the project. LC5 Councilor Champion Baker argued that previous attempts to establish a factory in Kabale had been blocked by political interference, despite investor interest. Hon. Richard Mporera, representing elders, condemned the rumored relocation, accusing decision-makers of exploiting Kigezi’s resources while denying locals the benefits.
“Ntungamo already has a national coffee factory, and now they want an iron ore plant without a single iron ore deposit. This is unfair to Kabale and Kigezi,” Mporera stated.
Kabale District Speaker Flavia Kanagizi echoed the need for local industrialization but raised concerns about land availability, revealing that an investor had already secured government land for the project in Ntungamo.
The steel factory aligns with Uganda’s push for industrialization and economic growth. In 2021, the government banned raw iron ore exports, requiring local miners to sell to Tororo National Cement Company, which ships the mineral to Kenya. Currently, 90% of Uganda’s iron ore is exported, a trend the government aims to reverse through value addition.
With the President’s directive in place, stakeholders are expected to fast-track efforts to establish the factory, ensuring Uganda fully benefits from its mineral resources.
