Uganda Baati officials in a group photo after addressing the press about the company’s 60 years of existence.
It’s very likely that every Ugandan has in one way or another used or benefited from Uganda’s Baati’s products. The Company’s products have also crossed Uganda’s borders and are doing well in the East African Community.
That’s how deep-rooted the company has become over the years by providing strong and reliable building solutions/products.
On Wednesday April 24, 2024, Uganda Baati Limited, a giant manufacturer and supplier of building solutions, officially launched activities leading to the celebration of the company’s 60 years of existence.
Dr. Alan Shonubi, the Board of Directors of Uganda Baati Limited, presided over the launch at their head office in Industrial Area, Kampala.
The Company’s journey goes back to the 1960’s in Tororo when it it was called Steel Works Company.
“The steel and aluminum industry was so lucrative then with minimal competition to the point where demand for aluminum and steel products was greater than the supply. This led to the introduction of the first steel roll former machine in the company where we manufactured, and supplied different aluminum and steel products which even included saucepans,” said Dr. Shonubi.
He recalls that this went on for a while before the setback in early 1972 when the former President of Uganda, Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of the Indians, giving the foreigners 90 days to leave the country, leaving several businesses and properties to be redistributed amongst the locals.
“As events turned out, Idi Amin was other thrown and H.E. Yoweri Museveni invited the expelled Asians to return bringing back the vibrancy of once-booming businesses in Uganda,” added Dr. Shonubi.
According to Dr. Shonubi, Uganda Baati was the first in the East African region to install an ultra-modern continuous galvanizing line, a testament to the company’s commitment to technological innovation and excellence.
“We became the first to introduce the ZincAL coating technology for all our roofing sheets to give the consumer the benefit of the product,” said Dr. Shonubi.
He attributes the milestone to the Group support, country’s support, great strategies, leadership and compliance.
Today, Uganda Baati Limited has its largest markets in the DR Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Mozambique and Zambia with new orders coming in from Somalia.
Amon Aruho, Uganda Baati’s Head of Human Resources, said that the company’s journey has had all the support from customers, the government, stakeholders and shareholders.
“It is clear that all these have played a role in ensuring that we uphold our standards and commitment in providing a sustainable roof over each household in Uganda. Therefore, the 60 years is not just a celebration but a reinforcement to our commitment to the community that has been integral to our story,” said Aruho.
Macklean Kukundakwe, the Head of Marketing at Uganda Baati Ltd, said that celebration will be phased out in four themes during the year – Uganda in the past, community, economy and in the future.
