MOROTO, Uganda — The Ugandan government has finalized the acquisition of 10,000 acres of land in the Moroto District, paving the way for the establishment of a new cement manufacturing plant, officials announced Friday.

The land, secured from the Naita-A-Tepeth Communal Land Association, will be the site of Uganda’s first clinker factory, a project spearheaded by Tororo Cement. The acquisition marks the culmination of over a year of consultations and negotiations led by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to boost economic activity in the Karamoja sub-region.

Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, speaking at a signing ceremony in Kampala, emphasized the transparency and inclusivity of the process, which involved local elders, district leaders, and the wider community. She noted that the project aims to reduce Uganda’s reliance on imported raw materials for cement production.

“This marks a significant step towards industrialization and economic growth in the Karamoja region,” Nabakooba said. “This factory will not only create jobs but also contribute significantly to our national revenue.”

The government’s acquisition involved securing a long-term lease for the majority of the land, while a portion was transferred to Tororo Cement for the factory site. The Ministry of Lands oversaw the surveying, demarcation, and titling of the land, ensuring that the rights of the local community were respected.

Representatives from the Naita-A-Tepeth Communal Land Association expressed optimism about the project’s potential benefits for the community, including employment opportunities and infrastructure development.

The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) played a key role in facilitating the agreement. Director General Robert Mukiza highlighted the project as a major investment that aligns with the government’s strategy to promote local manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

Construction of the cement plant is expected to begin in the near future, with officials projecting significant economic benefits for the Moroto District and Uganda as a whole.