Steel & Tube Industries Limited, a leading Ugandan steel manufacturer, is seeking to develop a domestic iron ore supply chain to reduce its dependence on imported raw materials. The company disclosed its plans at the Construction Hardware Dealers Association (CHADA) Convention 2026, where industry stakeholders discussed product quality, local sourcing, and the construction sector's role in Uganda's industrial development. This move aims to expand local steel production and add value to Uganda's mineral resources.
Steel & Tube has secured a licence from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to explore mineral development activities in Kanungu District. The company intends to assess the feasibility of processing locally sourced iron ore into steel products, involving mineral beneficiation, ironmaking, steelmaking, and casting to produce steel billets. This project could enable Steel & Tube to source more production inputs locally, supporting Uganda's industrial growth.
Oscar Kamukama, Steel & Tube's Head of Marketing, emphasized the company's commitment to responding to changing market demands through product innovation, quality improvement, and customer engagement. Steel & Tube listens to customer feedback, using it to develop practical solutions that meet the evolving needs of Uganda's construction sector. This approach has helped the company make significant progress in developing products and services that meet local demands.
Established in 1985, Steel & Tube operates extensive manufacturing facilities across Namanve, Kazinga, and Nakawa, employing over 1,600 people directly and supporting more than 8,000 indirect jobs. The company's products are distributed across Uganda and regional markets, including Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. Steel & Tube has expanded its product range to include various steel products, such as reinforcing bars, stainless steel water tanks, and pre-engineered buildings.
Minister of State for Trade Wilson Mbadi addressed the convention, urging manufacturers and hardware dealers to prioritize locally manufactured construction materials while maintaining product standards and fair competition. He warned against price fixing, highlighting the potential penalties for violating the Fair Competition Act. Mbadi also emphasized Uganda's housing deficit, estimated at 2.4 million units, and encouraged industry players to support domestic manufacturing to strengthen the country's industrial capacity.
Steel & Tube's proposed iron ore project in Kanungu is part of its strategy to integrate more stages of steel production locally. However, its implementation depends on the technical and commercial viability of the mineral deposits and proposed processing facilities. The company is also seeking to expand its presence in regional markets while developing products for Uganda's growing construction and infrastructure sectors.
Following its participation in the CHADA Convention, Steel & Tube plans to showcase its products and manufacturing capabilities at the upcoming Uganda International Trade Fair. This exhibition will provide another platform for the company to engage potential customers and partners as it pursues investments in local sourcing, product development, and regional market expansion.
Key points
- Steel & Tube Industries Limited aims to reduce its reliance on imported raw materials by developing a domestic iron ore supply chain in Uganda.
- The company's proposed iron ore project in Kanungu District could enable local production of steel billets and support Uganda's industrial growth.
- Steel & Tube is committed to product innovation, quality improvement, and customer engagement to meet the evolving needs of Uganda's construction sector.
