President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed the governmentโs commitment to supporting local industrialization following the establishment of a major iron ore processing facility by Terra Industrial Development Company in Rwenanura, Ntungamo District.
The pledge was made on May 19, 2026, during a meeting held at State Lodge Nakasero, where the President hosted company officials led by Managing Director Kong Dong Sheng. 
According to company representatives, the newly established plant is Ugandaโs first pig iron processing factory capable of producing pig iron with a remarkable purity level of 93 percent. The investment is expected to significantly strengthen Ugandaโs industrial sector by promoting local processing of mineral resources instead of exporting raw materials.
President Museveni emphasized that Ugandaโs long-term economic strategy remains anchored on value addition, noting that banning the export of unprocessed minerals is intended to create employment opportunities, stimulate industrial expansion, and increase national revenue.
โI will support you. Remember, we banned the export of unprocessed minerals,โ the President said during the meeting.
Despite the milestone, investors highlighted several infrastructure challenges affecting operations at the modern facility. They cited the urgent need for a stable electricity supply to power heavy industrial machinery and called for improvements to the 4.2-kilometer road connecting the NtungamoโMirama Hills road to the KabaleโNtungamo highway.
Particular concern was also raised over the condition of Kategure Bridge, which investors say requires immediate rehabilitation to ensure smooth transportation of equipment, raw materials, and finished products.
In response, President Museveni assured the investors that the government would work through the relevant ministries and agencies to address the bottlenecks and support the factoryโs growth and future expansion.The President also welcomed the investorsโ growing involvement in Ugandaโs healthcare manufacturing sector through Sino-Africa Medical Devices, a company affiliated with the same investment group. The firm manufactures World Health Organization pre-qualified long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets, which are vital in the fight against malaria.
As part of efforts to strengthen local manufacturing, President Museveni pledged that the government would consider allocating funds to begin procuring mosquito nets locally from the company, reducing reliance on imported medical supplies while boosting domestic production capacity.
The meeting was attended by Hajjat Amina Mukalazi, whose office promotes local investment partnerships and supports increased participation of Ugandans in industrial development initiatives.
