Govt seeks to reduce importation of glasses

Commissioning. An official from Prayosha shows Mr Werike (L) some of the company’s products during the commissioning of the factory in in Nalukolongo, Kampala. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OTAGE.

Kampala. The Ministry of Trade is establishing a glass manufacturing factory in Kyanamukaka, Masaka District as it seeks to reduce importation of glass products into the country.

Speaking at the commissioning of Prayosha Toughened Glass, an aluminum and steel factory, in a speech read for her, Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde, said establishing a glass factory was among some of the initiatives that government is undertaking to encourage consumption of locally manufactured goods.

This, she said, is part of the larger plan to promote the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.

“For the last three years, government has been undertaking several initiatives and Uganda Development Corporation is planning to set up a glass factory in Kyanamukaka to reduce importation of glass,” she said, adding that the boom in the construction industry, establishing aluminum, glass and steel factories are critical to sustain supply and support of local producers.

Ms Kyambadde, who was represented by Trade State Minister Micheal Werike, also said there was need for Ugandans to reduce dependence on imports to improve the country’s balance of trade.

Mr Julius Maganda, the East African Community Affairs state minister, said Uganda has been increasing its production capacity in a number of sectors such as steel manufacturing.

This, he said, has allowed the country to compete with other countries in the region.

Uganda is currently one of the largest steel manufacturers in the East African region importing to a number of countries such as Rwanda, South Sudan and DR Congo, among others.

Prayosha Toughened Glass factory is part of the Prayosha Group which owns Ambitious Construction and Sayona Holdings.