Yaobai Cement Karamoja was officially launched last evening in Kampala at Silver Springs Hotel Bugolobi.
It is an important milestone in investments because with Yoabai Cement Factory, jobs have been created, supporting local businesses, strengthening the construction sector, and contributing significantly to Uganda’s industrial growth and economic development.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in our country and an important step towards a more prosperous and self-sustaining Uganda,” said Hon. Mutasingwa Diana Kagyenyi, Buikwe District Woman MP.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today afternoon commissioned the Yaobai Clinker Cement Factory in Moroto, Karamoja. He thanked Chairman Paul Zhang of the West 7 China companies and the Chinese government for encouraging investment in Uganda. Yaobai Cement is producing 85 percent clinker.
Speaking at the launch, the President said that previously Uganda was spending a lot of money importing clinker, but this investment will save the country those costs and reduce “kushaka”.
Men this is for you
He further said Clinker is an intermediate product which should not be taxed and promised to follow up on reports of such taxation.
He also thanked and welcomed former Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn for joining me in Moroto today. I welcome him,” M7 said at the commissioning.
The commissioning of the Moroto-based plant is expected to enhance Uganda’s self-sufficiency in cement production, lower construction costs, and spur economic activity in the Karamoja sub-region, which has historically lagged behind in industrial development.
This also marks a significant step in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen local industrial capacity and reduce reliance on imports.
Mr. Ambrose Byona, Managing Director and local partner of West International Holding, said the factory has totally changed Karamoja Region in terms of economic gains.
Speaking about the project, Byona said those who thought Karamoja will remain behind is a thing of the past.
He said the factory, is the biggest cement factory in Uganda and produces a clinker which is a cement made from 85% of Karamoja stones. He assured the public that the factory you see is only in Karamoja not anywhere else in Uganda. In the first phase, the factory will be producing 6000 tonnes and second phase 6000 tonnes which is totalling to 12000 tonnes daily. He assured the public that Karamoja has totally changed and these are some of the gains that should be protected as the NRM Government said in their recently concluded campaign trail.
A new mega cement factory has been in born in Moroto, Karamoja Region, we can confirm. West International Holding (WIH) has kicked off cement production in the region, making the biggest cement factory in Uganda.
Mr. Ambrose Byona, Managing Director and local partner of West International Holding, a new cement factory in Moroto in Karamoja Region said the factory has totally changed Karamoja Region in terms of economic gains.
Speaking about the project, Byona said those who thought Karamoja will remain behind is a thing of the past.
Mr. Ambrose Byona, Director at West International Holding
He said the factory, is the biggest cement factory in Uganda and produces a clinker which is a cement made from 85% of Karamoja stones. He assured the public that the factory you see is only in Karamoja not anywhere else in Uganda. In the first phase, the factory will be producing 6000 tonnes and second phase 6000 tonnes which is totalling to 12000 tonnes daily. He assured the public that Karamoja has totally changed and these are some of the gains that should be protected as the NRM Government said in their recently concluded campaign trail.
With the mega factory in the region, Karamoja is benefiting a lot in terms of raw materials, employment and market for their products.
With factories such as this in the region already, development has completely kicked off in Karamoja.
This will significantly boost local cement production, reduce imports, lower prices, and create thousands of jobs in the region.
Rally ace Ambrose Byona aka Omunyeeto is back into action this weekend in Hoima. The Desh Rally Team (DRT) driver is among the drivers set for this weekend’s event dubbed ‘Kabalega Rally’.
The Hoima Kabalega Rally Fiesta’ starts on Friday 18th. Team Omunyeeto together with other rally drivers will host a mega pre Kabalega Rally ‘Greet and Meet’ Party at Runaway Lounge in Hoima.
Rally ace Ambrose Byona has welcomed decision by Rajiv Rupaleria to join motor rally saying it will increase competitiveness in the game.
Rajiv with Ambrose Byona
Rajiv last night unveiled his Rally team and his new machine which he will used. He has called it ‘Double Trouble’.
When asked Ambrose Byona aka Omunyeeto who has been in the game for sometime revealed that Rajiv’s joining is a positive one.
“Rajiv coming into the rally will absolutely increase competitiveness in the sport. I have driven with him, he is a quick driver and surely he will compete well with us,” Byona said.
With just less than three years into active rally, Ambrose Byona aka Omunyeeto has continued to show signs of improvement every passing event.
And this weekend, he has a chance to do more as the 2017 National Rally Championship contention heads to Fort Portal.
Over 40 crews will rev off the third edition of the Mountains of the Moon Rally.
Rally ace; Ambrose Byona aka Omunyeeto
The two day event will run nine stages covering a total competitive distance of 152.24 kilometres.
Boma grounds has been maintained for the Super Special Stage while two stages of Zaborogota and Rwenzori tea will make their debut on day two of the event.
Fort Portal Rally is anticipated to be a hotly contested affair as it will determine the stake for some crews on this year’s championship.
Ambrose Byona and Derick Lubambula, the navigator pose next to their Hima Cement sponsored Mitsubishi Evo 9
National Rally Championship leaders Ronald Sebuguzi and Leon Ssenyange will count on Fort Portal points to strengthen their lead. They are currently top with 250 points, 90 points ahead of Duncan Mubiru.
Duncan Mubiru is expected to enter Fort Portal highly charged with the aim of closing the gap on leader Sebuguzi. A DNF in the previous NRC event is another reason that will reignite the title battle from him this weekend.
Ambrose Byona will not only look forward to maintaining his performance from the previous event where he finished third overall, he will also stage some tight competition to the title contenders.
Being the first on the road and currently third on the NRC standings, Christakis Fitidis and Eric Nzamwita could see a chance to get closer to the title contention in Fort Portal.
While Omar Mayanja and Hussein Mukuye will be out to put some life to their title hopes after two consecutive DNFs, Hassan Alwi will be targeting his first points of the season.
Musa Kabega and Rogers Sirwomu may not be among the title contenders, but the previous two DNFs may persuade the pace of a title contender.
Kepher Walubi, Yusuf Bukenya, Fred Wampamba will all be eyeing the top spot from Fort Portal this weekend.
The battle will further prevail in the Two-wheel drive (2WD) category and the Clubman rally championship (CRC).
Ahead of the Mountains of the Moon Rally slated for the 26th-28th May 2017, Byona aka Omunyeeto has promised to put up a good performance.
“I am focused and ambitious. I have the backing of the sponsors and my fans should expect fireworks,” said Byona.
Omunyeeto revealed has vowed to continue improving in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX.
The soft spoken driver will be navigated by Derrick Lubambula. He is sponsored by Hima Cement.
City tycoon and socialite, Jack Pemba, who was reported to be under Police custody showed up for the ‘Tugende Mu Kikadde’ concert at Kampala Serena Hotel on Saturday.
Jack Pemba (L) with Rally ace Ambrose Byona at Kampala Serena Hotel on Saturday
A number of media houses reported the tycoon’s arrest but his appearance at the Saturday show further confirms that Tanzanian loaded fellow was never arrested.
He also confirmed to us that he wasn’t a wanted man anywhere. He was also seen rubbing shoulders with Rally ace Ambrose Byona.
