BUIKWE – A salt processing factory has opened up in Lugazi town council, Buikwe district, with its managers saying that it will save the country high costs of importing the product.
The Managing Director of Kampala Salt Factory, Mr. Alok R.Kala, said the factory has a production capacity of 16,000 tonnes which will go up with time.
He said putting up the factory currently employs 100 people but that they will employ 300 at full capacity production.
“I developed the idea of setting up a factory here after realizing that there was a lot of dollars being spent on imported salt,” he said.
Mr Kala also said they are currently faced with a problem of raw materials, which are imported.
Speaking at the commissioning of the salt factory on Saturday, May 23, State minister for Finance in charge of privatisation and investment Evelyn Anite said the factory will boost local production and reduce on the import bills.
According to Minister Anite, Uganda imported 177,178 tons of salt and saw an expenditure of about $25 million on imported salt in 2019.
Ms. Anite said Ugandans have been buying salt at Shs2000 but since the factory has been put in place the prices will reduce to Shs500 and definitely to Shs300.
She asked the factory owners to mainly recruit locals.
The minister also advised them to use the raw materials from Katwe and should only aim at adding value than importing raw materials that are expensive.
Ms Anite has asked Ugandan businessmen to Change to manufacturing saying it’s the only way to avoid a situation where they can’t do business like it is during the COVID 19.
“The situation should teach our importers a lesson for them to change to manufacturing so that to remain in business during such difficult times,” she said.