Kampala, Uganda, 6th November 2024 – A high-profile delegation from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), led by Mr. Humphrey Nzeyi, Chairman of PSFU, and Ms. Veronica Nduva, Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), visited the Roofings Group production plant in Namanve yesterday. The visit aimed to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the steel sector and to strengthen ties between the private sector and regional bodies.
The delegation included prominent figures such as Mr. Francis Kisirinya, Chief Membership Officer at PSFU, Mr. Arthur Tumwesigye, PR Manager at PSFU, Mr. Emmanuel Angulo, Marketing Manager at PSFU, and Mr. Emmanuel Busuulwa, EABC Country Liaison Officer.
During the comprehensive tour of the facility, Sheik Arif, Group CEO of Roofings, outlined key challenges faced by the steel sector, including:
The need to consider certain steel products, such as zinc/aluminium-coated coils and zinc-coated wire, as exclusive products in Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations.
The importance of fast-tracking Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) projects across the region, particularly from Tanzania, to reduce transport costs.
The necessity for an EAC-wide fight against counterfeits and substandard materials by introducing a uniform standards/quality mark for use across the region.
Both the EAC Secretary General and the Chairman of PSFU commended Roofings Group for their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, recognizing their commitment to sustainable practices within the industry.
