Kampala, Uganda — Minister of State for Industry Hon. David Bahati and Hon. Sanjay Tanna have engaged stakeholders in Uganda’s cement sector over concerns affecting consumers, manufacturers and the wider construction industry.
The two ministers held discussions with representatives of cement factories and key government institutions on challenges facing the sector and possible measures to strengthen its operations.
A major concern raised during the engagement was product integrity, particularly the presence of underweight and counterfeit cement on the market.
The stakeholders also discussed cement pricing, with attention drawn to factors affecting the cost of the construction material and the impact of prices on consumers and the construction sector.
Taxation was another key issue considered during the engagement, as stakeholders examined the pressures affecting cement manufacturers and the broader competitiveness of the industry.
The discussions come amid growing concerns over the quality and authenticity of cement products reaching consumers, with calls for stronger monitoring of the sector to protect buyers and legitimate manufacturers.
Bahati and Tanna also used the engagement to hear directly from industry players about challenges affecting production and distribution, providing an opportunity for government to consider areas requiring intervention.
The cement industry remains an important part of Uganda’s industrial and construction economy, making quality assurance, fair pricing and effective regulation critical to both consumers and manufacturers.
The engagement signals continued government attention to the cement sector, particularly efforts to safeguard consumers, promote compliance with standards and address challenges that could undermine Uganda’s manufacturing industry.
