Government urges construction industry to embrace innovation
“Stronger organisation and cooperation among industry players will enable businesses to improve standards, strengthen service delivery and present their concerns to government with a unified voice,” Mbadi said.
Paul Kigaro, Sales Manager Automotive & Industrial Paints at Kansai Plascon, welcomes Gen. Mbasu Mbadi, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, to the Plascon exhibition stall at the CHADA.
KAMPALA - Government has urged players in Uganda’s construction industry to embrace innovation, stronger collaboration and business organisation to improve standards and contribute more effectively to economic growth.
The call was made during the 2026 Construction Hardware Dealers Association (CHADA) Annual Conference held recently at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo.
The conference brought together hardware dealers, manufacturers, financial institutions, government officials and other players in the construction value chain to discuss taxation, counterfeit products, access to affordable working capital, rising material costs, transport costs, business formalisation and local manufacturing.
Gen. Mbasu Mbadi, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, who officiated at the conference, said greater organisation among industry players would strengthen their ability to engage government and improve standards.
“Stronger organisation and cooperation among industry players will enable businesses to improve standards, strengthen service delivery and present their concerns to government with a unified voice,” Mbadi said.
Amos Lugoloobi, the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), urged industry players to view construction as an investment rather than simply an expense, saying developments generate activity across the wider economy
“Every development, from homes and schools to warehouses and factories, generates demand for materials, labour and associated services, creating opportunities for businesses throughout the construction value chain,” Lugoloobi said.
The conference comes as construction businesses face growing pressure to improve efficiency, product quality and customer service while responding to changing consumer needs.
Kansai Plascon Uganda, which sponsored the conference, used the event to showcase its colour-matching technology, which can reproduce a desired colour with up to 99.5% matching accuracy.
Daniel Kayongo, Head of Marketing at Kansai Plascon Uganda, said technology can help hardware dealers move beyond simply selling products and provide more specialised services to customers.
Participants raised concern over counterfeit and substandard construction products, which they said affect legitimate businesses and consumer confidence.
They called for stronger cooperation among manufacturers, dealers, regulators and government agencies to improve quality assurance and protect consumers.
Taxation was another major issue, with participants calling for continued engagement between government and businesses over the tax environment, including areas where taxes may overlap.
Hardware dealers and other small and medium-sized enterprises also highlighted challenges in accessing affordable working capital, which can constrain their ability to maintain stock and expand operations.
The conference further emphasised the importance of strengthening local manufacturing to increase domestic production, create jobs and reduce reliance on imported construction materials.
With continued demand for housing and infrastructure, participants said innovation, technology and collaboration across the construction value chain will be increasingly important in building a more competitive and responsive industry.