Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda jointly presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Devki Mega Steel Factory in Tororo, a transformative project valued at $500 million. The new facility, which will produce 1 million tonnes of steel annually using Uganda’s rich iron ore deposits, is set to become a cornerstone of East Africa’s industrial growth. This ambitious venture is expected to create between 10,000 and 15,000 jobs across a variety of sectors, including mining, transport, and manufacturing, marking a significant step forward for the region’s economic development.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto described the project as a defining moment for East Africa. He commended the collaboration between Kenya and Uganda, calling the steel plant a symbol of “visionary leadership” that will help drive Africa’s industrialization. “This occasion signifies more than the commissioning of a factory; it marks a new chapter in Africa’s industrialisation, driven by visionary leadership,” he said. Ruto emphasized that the Tororo steel project is a testament to the region’s ability to build globally competitive industries that will play a vital role in Africa’s transformation.
Dr. Narendra Raval, the Chairman and Founder of Devki Group, echoed this optimism, calling the launch of the steel factory a historic milestone for both Uganda and East Africa. “Today is a historic day for Uganda and East Africa. With the continued guidance of H.E. Kaguta Museveni, we chose Tororo for this project. His experience provided answers we did not have at the start,” Raval remarked. His words reflected the collaborative spirit that underpins the project and its potential to reshape the region’s industrial landscape.
In his speech, Raval shared a key commitment from President Museveni regarding the protection of local industries once steel production begins. “His Excellency assured me that once this company has started production of steel, Uganda will move to protect local manufacturers by banning steel imports,” he revealed. Raval emphasized that this decision was crucial for safeguarding jobs and stimulating the local economy. “Importing anything is importing poverty—we are exporting our jobs,” he said, adding that duties and levies on imported steel are essential for protecting employment within the country. He pointed to global examples, including the 150% tariff imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, to demonstrate the value of such protective measures.
Raval’s remarks reflected a broader strategy for Uganda and the region to become more self-reliant in industrial production. “If any government does not support the local industry, it is denying jobs to its citizens,” he asserted, calling on governments to take bold steps in supporting their local industries. His focus on protecting the steel industry also aligns with broader regional goals to reduce dependency on imports and foster homegrown manufacturing capacity.
Beyond the steel production itself, the factory’s construction will be supported by an expanded railway connection between Uganda and Kenya. Raval expressed appreciation for the collaboration between Kenya and Uganda Railways, which is facilitating the extension of the railway line to Tororo. “We hope for blessings from President Museveni to allow and support this railway connection so that from here we can export up to Mombasa Port and beyond,” he said, highlighting the importance of infrastructure in enabling the export of steel to international markets.
Despite the challenges faced during the development of the project, Raval shared a light-hearted moment to ease the tension. Reflecting on the difficulties he encountered in building the factory, he joked, “Somebody asked me why my phone screen has my wife’s photo. I told them, whenever I face problems putting up a factory, I look at her picture and say: if I can handle this, I can handle anything.” The crowd laughed, appreciating the personal touch that Raval brought to the moment.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Tororo steel factory represents a significant milestone not only for Devki Group but also for the broader economic relationship between Kenya and Uganda. The project is set to provide substantial employment opportunities, reduce steel imports, and increase tax revenue, which will ultimately strengthen the export base for East Africa. With this initiative, the region is taking a giant leap toward long-term industrial growth and economic self-sufficiency. The factory is not only a catalyst for local development but also a clear signal that East Africa is ready to compete in the global manufacturing sector.
