By Andrew Irumba
In a landmark ceremony at Kayoro Village, Osukuru, Tororo District, the Presidents of Uganda and Kenya on Saturday jointly launched the groundbreaking of the Devki Steel and Iron Ore Factory, an industrial venture set to reshape East Africa’s manufacturing landscape.
The high-profile event was presided over by Uganda’s President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was accompanied by Kenya’s President H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, signaling a strong cross-border commitment to regional industrialisation and economic cooperation.
The two leaders were joined by key Ugandan government officials, including the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Ssentamu, her deputy Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, and Permanent Secretary Eng. Irene Batebe. Senior technical officers from the Ministry, among them Commissioner for Mines Ms. Agnes Alaba, Ag. Commissioner Geological Survey Dr. Fred Tugume, Ag. Commissioner Geothermal Mr. Kato Vincent, Assistant Commissioners, and other top-ranking officials, were also in attendance.
The Devki Mega Steel Factory, valued at $500 million, is expected to produce 1 million tonnes of steel annually, capitalizing on Uganda’s abundant iron ore reserves. The project is projected to create between 10,000 and 15,000 jobs spanning mining, transportation, manufacturing, and supply chain services.
President Ruto hailed the development as a turning point for regional industrialisation.
“This occasion signifies more than the commissioning of a factory; it marks a new chapter in Africa’s industrialisation, driven by visionary leadership,” he said. “The Tororo steel project demonstrates our region’s capacity to build globally competitive industries that advance Africa’s transformation.”
Museveni’s Assurance On Industrial Protection
Devki Group Chairman and Founder Dr. Narendra Raval, who has championed major industrial investments across East Africa, described the day as historic for both Uganda and the region. He credited President Museveni for providing consistent guidance that informed the site selection and project design.
Raval revealed that Museveni had pledged policy support to protect local manufacturers once the factory becomes operational.
“His Excellency assured me that once this company has started production, he will not put duty but will ban importation. Importing anything is importing poverty, we are exporting our jobs,” he said.
He emphasized that local industry protection is necessary for job creation, drawing comparisons to global policies.
“I respect President Trump who put 150% duty on steel imports to secure jobs for his people. Their unemployment is 4%. We have 50%. We must put more duties and levies. It is a bitter truth, but it is the only way to progress.”
Railway Expansion To Boost Exports
Raval applauded the collaboration between Kenya Railways and Uganda Railways, which are working to extend railway access directly to the factory. This development will ease the transportation of steel products and facilitate efficient exports through the Port of Mombasa.
“We hope for blessings from President Museveni to support this railway connection so that from here we can export to Mombasa and beyond,” he said.
In a light-hearted moment, Raval shared a personal anecdote about the challenges of building factories, joking that his phone screensaver a photo of his wife reminds him he can overcome anything.
The comment drew laughter from the audience, adding a human touch to the otherwise high-stakes industrial announcement.
Saturday’s ceremony reflects growing bilateral cooperation between Uganda and Kenya in trade, infrastructure, and industrial development. The Devki steel project is widely seen as a catalyst for:
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Significant job creation
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Reduced reliance on steel imports
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Increased government revenue
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Strengthened regional value chains
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Expanded export capacity
As construction begins, the Tororo district stands poised to become a major industrial hub, reinforcing East Africa’s long-term vision of economic transformation driven by local resources and regional partnerships.
Pictorial Below!
