In a significant development for East Africa”s industrial landscape, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto jointly inaugurated the groundbreaking of the Devki Mega Steel Plant in Kayoro Village, Osukuru County, Tororo District. This ambitious project, with an investment of USD 500 million, aims to transform the region”s industrial capabilities.
The steel facility, spearheaded by Kenyan entrepreneur Dr. Narendra Raval of the Devki Group, is set to create approximately 15,000 jobs in Uganda, particularly benefiting the communities in Tororo and Mbarara. Dr. Raval noted that a substantial portion of the job opportunities will arise from the integrated steel operations, which are further supported by earlier investments in the region, including a forthcoming iron ore refinery in Kabale.
During the ceremony, President Museveni contextualized the event within Africa”s long-standing struggle against economic exploitation. He emphasized that the continent has suffered for over 500 years due to the extraction of its resources without adequate value addition. “Today, with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Devki Mega Steel project, we are in the process of liberating Africa,” he declared, highlighting the importance of retaining resources and jobs within the continent.
The Ugandan leader underscored that the project marks a pivotal step towards mitigating the $5 billion loss Uganda incurs annually from imports that could be produced domestically. He welcomed the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway, which will enhance transportation efficiency and bolster large-scale industries like the Devki Steel Plant.
President Ruto echoed Museveni”s sentiments, stating that this initiative represents more than just the establishment of a factory; it signifies a transformative chapter in Africa”s industrialization journey. He commended the collaborative efforts that made this investment possible, reinforcing the need for regional integration within the East African Community (EAC) to stimulate economic growth and self-sufficiency.
Dr. Raval expressed gratitude towards both leaders for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing local employment, promising that 90 percent of the workforce will be sourced from the surrounding communities. He stressed the critical need for industrialization to foster prosperity, noting, “Importing steel is importing poverty.”
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, highlighted the project as a significant milestone for East Africa, while Energy Minister Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa described the groundbreaking as a historic moment in Uganda”s industrial evolution, emphasizing that the factory should deliver substantial social and economic benefits once operational.
This initiative stands as a testament to the potential of collaboration and investment in driving Africa”s industrial ambitions, paving the way for a more self-sufficient and economically empowered continent.
