Tororo, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart, President William Samoei Ruto, on Sunday presided over the groundbreaking of the USD 500 million Devki Mega Steel Plant in Kayoro Village, Osukuru County, Tororo District, launching one of East Africa’s most transformative industrial ventures.
The integrated steel facility, owned by Kenyan industrialist Dr Narendra Raval (Guru) of Devki Group, will employ 15,000 Ugandans across Tororo and Mbarara at commencement, with a major iron ore refinery planned for Kabale expected to create an additional 16,000 jobs.
President Museveni situated the project within Africa’s long historical struggle against exploitation, saying the continent must end the export of raw materials and the loss of jobs to foreign economies.
“For 500 years Africa has been losing value. With this project, we are taking another step toward liberating our continent. We must stop exporting minerals and jobs,” Museveni said.
He thanked President Ruto for supporting the investment and for encouraging Dr. Raval to build in Uganda, saying regional cooperation eases industrial expansion. Museveni also cautioned locals against delaying compensation processes, assuring government responsibility over payments.
“The man is going to invest USD 500 million here. Don’t disturb him. Government will handle compensation,” he said.
The President warned that Uganda loses nearly USD 5 billion annually through avoidable imports and described the transition to railway cargo as essential for large-scale industrialization. He welcomed Kenya’s plan to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba and eventually Tororo.
President Ruto hailed the project as a turning point in Africa’s industrial capacity, praising Museveni’s commitment to regional integration.
“We are not just breaking ground for a factory; we are opening a new chapter in Africa’s industrial ambitions. The youth will benefit, our supply chains will benefit, and East Africa will grow stronger,” Ruto said.
Dr. Raval pledged that 90% of jobs at the Tororo plant will be reserved for Ugandans—specifically the local communities. “Importing steel is importing poverty. We must produce here, create jobs here, and empower our youth,” he said.
Several leaders, including First Deputy PM Rebecca Kadaga and Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, described the project as a historic milestone that will anchor Uganda’s industrial transition and support regional economic integration.
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