Building the Future: Uganda Baati reflects on 60 years of shaping the construction landscape in Uganda

Founded in 1964, Uganda Baati has been at the vanguard of the construction materials industry, setting benchmarks and introducing pioneering advancements.

Tracing its journey in the 1960’s when it was known as Steel Works Company, Uganda Baati said less competition in the industry of aluminium and steel products drove it into introducing the first steel roll former machine.

This was aimed at closing the higher demand for aluminium and steel products in Uganda where supply was low, yet the industry was lucrative.

All this was revealed by Dr. Alan Shonubi the board chairman of Uganda Baati during the launch of the company’s 60th anniversary.

Dr. Shonubi said they are not only celebrating six decades of industry leadership but also reflecting on their journey of growth, innovation, and partnership that has shaped the construction landscape of Uganda.

Serving as one of the longest shareholders of the company, he reflected on the expelling of Asians in Uganda by then-president Idi Amin, however as events unfolded the vibrancy of the once-booming businesses in Uganda came back to life with President Museveni.

“A call for local shareholders to enlist as part of the company was sent out, to which hundreds of Ugandans responded, which led to the formation of a board of directors and shareholders. Ever since then, I have been a long-serving shareholder of the company now known as Uganda Baati Limited building its legacy as Uganda’s No.1 Trusted building solutions provider,” he said.

With the anniversary being under the theme “60 Years of Building Uganda Together”, Shonubi believes that this theme resonates deeply with the company’s values as it summarizes the essence of their journey, one that was not made alone but in partnership with valued customers, dedicated staff, communities and the unwavering support of the Ugandan government.

It is with this togetherness that he said Uganda Baati has laid foundations, erected structures, and roofed countless homes and businesses across this great nation.

“We were the first in the East African region to install an ultra-modern Continuous Galvanizing line, a testament to our commitment to technological innovation and excellence. We became the first to introduce the ZincAL coating technology for all its roofing sheets to give the consumer the benefit of the product. Additionally, we went ahead to launched the box profile roof sheets; resin coat, and cover max”

Dr. Shonubi further highlighted that their commitment to sustainability is evidenced continuously by the introduction of environmentally friendly roofing solutions.

He said these innovations are a symbol of their dedication to growth and responsible business practices, that protect the environment and enrich different communities.

Meanwhile, Amon Aruho the head of human resource at Uganda Baati stressed some of the factors that have kept them in business for this long, some of which are the support of shareholders, government, stakeholders, and customers.

Amon noted that all these played a crucial role in ensuring that the company upholds its standards and commitment to providing a sustainable roof, over each household in Uganda.

“Our impact on the country’s growth and the communities that we serve has been immense as well. Over the past six decades, we have contributed to the environmental, health, education, shelter causes as part of our corporate social initiatives, this, not negating, the economic contributions,” he said.

Uganda Baati’s core objective according to Amon is to engage and support long-term sustainable initiatives that aim to improve the livelihoods of the people, preserve environments for future generations, bring nearer affordable primary health care and ensure suitable shelter over the homes and infrastructure of Ugandans.

He noted that their role in job creation cannot be understated. Over the past six decades, the company has not only been a source of employment for hundreds directly but also influenced thousands more through extensive distribution networks and community engagements.

As they celebrate 60 years, Uganda Baati has achieved several awards including; Best Steel and Roofing Company – 2021, Best Quality Iron Sheets- 2023 by People’s Choice Quality Award, Quality Steel Manufacturer of the Year 2023 at the prestigious KACITA Awards Gala amongst other recognition awards by different partners.

Uganda Baati Limited is a member of the Safal Group of companies. The Safal Group is the largest steel roofing company in Africa. The group has metal coating lines in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & South Africa, including colour coating lines in Kenya & South Africa. Safal is the first organization in Africa to have set up the Aluminium-Zinc coating technology.