A cement factory set for opening in Moroto district will create 3,600 jobs, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, reveals.

“This monumental project is set to generate substantial employment opportunities, with 600 jobs and 3000 indirect jobs, contributing to the economic development of Uganda,” Nankabirwa said.

She was speaking at a press conference where the energy ministry announced it had granted a 21-year Large-Scale Mining License to Sunbird Resources Limited.

The Chinese firm will extract 8000 tonnes per day of vital limestone at Rupa Sub-county, Moroto District. This limestone will be raw material the factory will need to make cement.

Nankabirwa said the cement factory aspires to be the largest in Uganda. She said the factory will reliance on the importation of 2.4 tonnes of clinker annually, valued at over $700m.

Sunbird Resources Ltd has partnered with West International Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed West China Cement Ltd.

Together, they’re establishing a 6000 Tonnes Per Day Clinker Lime & 1 million Tonnes Per Year Cement Factory at Nadunget Sub-County, Moroto District.

The mining activities and subsequent cement production are estimated to result in royalty payments exceeding Shs160m per day of operation, contributing significantly to the consolidated fund.

We, at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development, express our delight in granting the Mining Lease and pledge continued support to Sunbird Resources Limited in achieving its objectives,” Nankabirwa said.

“This initiative aligns with our vision for sustainable resource utilization, economic growth, and job creation. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact on Uganda’s industrial landscape,” she added.