By Walimbwa Moses
Uganda has taken another step towards producing more of the goods it consumes with the commissioning of a US$10 million glue and silicone factory at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park.
The factory, operated by Yangtze Industry Limited, was commissioned by Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. The Ministry of Local Government described it as the first glue manufacturing plant of its kind in East Africa.
The ministry said the factory will serve both Ugandan and regional markets while creating employment opportunities for Ugandans.
The investment comes at a time when manufacturers are being encouraged to produce more goods locally and reduce dependence on imported products. Figures cited in a September 14, 2026 report showed that more than 3,414 shipments of general glue entered Uganda between June 2024 and May 2025.
Balaam said industrial growth should go hand in hand with efforts to create jobs and improve people’s livelihoods.
“Accelerate industrialisation, technology development and infrastructure investment as key measures to tackle unemployment and reduce poverty. This will also power the country’s economic growth due to reduced imports and increased exports,” he said.
He said improved roads and other infrastructure would also make it easier for manufacturers to transport their products to different markets.
“Improved infrastructure will help locally manufactured products reach wider markets while reducing transportation costs,” Balaam said.
The factory is also targeting markets beyond Uganda. Zhang Laurent, Administrative Manager at the industrial park, said the company had already received orders from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and other African countries.
“The company will definitely contribute to Uganda’s manufactured exports across the region,” he said.
The investment could also benefit people who use glue regularly in their work. Peter Magombe, a carpenter along the Mbale-Soroti Road, said he uses about 20 litres of glue every month but sometimes struggles to find enough supplies in shops.
“I use 20 litres a month, but sometimes glue disappears from shops. With this factory, we will be assured of constant supply,” he said.
Zhang Yuguo, General Manager of Yangtze Industry, said the company plans to employ more Ugandans while maintaining environmental and quality standards.
“We will adhere to localised operations and create more quality jobs for Uganda. We will also adhere to green production and put quality above all else as we serve the East African market,” he said.
The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park currently hosts 83 factories employing more than 15,000 people, with an investment portfolio of about US$600 million (Shs2.2 trillion) covering 619 acres.