West International Holding (WIH) Launches $200M Cement Factory in Buikwe to Boost Uganda’s Economy and Job Market

West International Holding (WIH) has begun constructing a $200 million cement factory in Njeru, Buikwe, which is expected to lower the price of cement in Uganda when it is completed in September 2025.

This factory is the second project by WIH, following the commissioning of another plant in Moroto by President Yoweri Museveni. WIH is a collaboration between Chinese and Ugandan investors. During the launch, officials announced that the Buikwe grinding station would create over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and stimulate economic growth, development, and social transformation upon completion.

The commissioning of the 50-acre, 3 million-ton grinding station took place on Saturday, witnessed by Ministers Lokeris Peter of Karamoja, Balam Barugahara of Youth, and Diana Mutasingwa from the Vice President’s office, who also serves as Buikwe District Member of Parliament.

Wang Fayin, the President of WIH, praised Uganda’s investment climate and mentioned that the factory would reduce the country’s reliance on imported raw materials for cement production, with the potential to generate $400 million in annual operating income.

Currently, Uganda imports $380 million worth of clinker annually, but the new plants in Moroto and Buikwe will eliminate this expense.

Minister Lokeris commended WIH, represented by Wang Fayin, for its continued investment in Uganda and its emphasis on value addition. He also praised the Ugandan government for its efforts to encourage investment in the country.

Diana Mutasingwa expressed her gratitude to WIH for investing in Buikwe. She emphasized the importance of the job opportunities the plant would create and encouraged the local community to support and protect the investment. She also urged them to find ways to contribute to the new plant, either directly or indirectly.

Balam Barugahara encouraged the youth to embrace investment, development, hard work, and the politics of progress as a means to improve their livelihoods. He highlighted the importance of the manufacturing sector as a key pillar of the NRM government’s strategy to create employment for young people. He also noted that the interaction between China and Uganda would provide young people with essential skills through knowledge and technology transfer.

At the same event, Ambrose Byona, one of WIH Uganda’s Directors, pledged to reduce the cost of cement as part of their commitment to making building materials more affordable for those looking to invest in new homes and businesses.