KIGO — Government and private-sector players in Uganda’s construction industry have called for closer engagement to address the rising cost of doing business and other challenges affecting hardware dealers and manufacturers.

The call was made during the ongoing Construction Hardware Dealers Association (CHADA) Annual Conference at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo.

The two-day conference, which ends today, has brought together hardware dealers, manufacturers, financial institutions and government officials to discuss challenges along the construction value chain.

Among the issues under discussion are taxation, formalisation of businesses, access to working capital, transport costs and the need to strengthen local manufacturing.

Minister of State for Finance (General Duties) Amos Lugoloobi told participants that construction should not be viewed simply as an expense but as an investment that supports activity across the economy.

He said every warehouse, school, house or factory constructed creates demand for materials and services from different businesses.

The minister’s remarks come at a time when construction businesses are facing pressure from the cost of materials, transportation and financing, with dealers saying such challenges ultimately affect the cost of construction.

The conference has also provided an opportunity for government officials to engage directly with industry players on some of the difficulties affecting their businesses.

Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Gen Mbasu Mbadi officiated at the event and toured exhibitions mounted by companies participating in the conference.

Manufacturers and suppliers have used the exhibition to display products ranging from paints and roofing materials to electrical and other construction solutions.

Kansai Plascon Uganda, one of the sponsors, is among the companies exhibiting at the conference.

 Plascon Uganda National Sales Manager, Moses Kato, said such gatherings give industry players an opportunity to discuss problems affecting the market instead of dealing with them individually.

Kato has previously described partnership in the construction market as a practical relationship involving manufacturers, distributors and dealers working together to solve problems and improve service to customers.

Kansai Plascon has also confirmed its participation in the 2026 CHADA conference, with its exhibition stand visited by Gen Mbadi during the event.
Other companies exhibiting include Uganda Baati and CHINT Uganda.

For dealers, access to affordable working capital remains an important part of the discussion because many businesses have to maintain stocks of construction materials while dealing with changing demand and rising operating costs.

The emphasis on local manufacturing is also aimed at strengthening the domestic supply chain and reducing some of the pressures associated with dependence on imported construction products.

Participants are expected to continue discussions today on how government policies and private-sector initiatives can make it easier for businesses in the construction value chain to operate and expand.

The conference has brought the dealers, manufacturers and policymakers into the same room at a time when Uganda’s construction industry is seeking ways of keeping building costs manageable while supporting local production.