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When a building collapses, as they have done in Kampala every so often, fingers are immediately pointed at counterfeit construction materials, poor plans and shoddy workmanship. 

Indeed, David Kireli, a civil engineer at the Ministry of Education, believes counterfeit construction materials have flooded the market. 

Architect Abdu-Wahab Nyanzi agrees, saying there are a number of counterfeit structural and roofing materials on the local market that are much cheaper than the genuine products. 

Most of the substandard materials are believed to originate from Asian countries.

With the integrity of building products in question, anyone intending to put up a home would do well to pay close attention to the materials they purchase. 

Steel and tube premises in Nakawa.

But if you are a lay person, how can you tell that what you are about to buy or what you have bought is not the real deal? It is a tall order, but the experts say there are some telltale signs that could help.

The forthcoming Homes and Constructions Expo that is scheduled to take place on November 25 and 26 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds is set to host an exciting array of experts in the construction industry. 

Sponsored by Steel and Tube Limited, the expo has organised workshops where industry experts like civil engineers, architects, decorators and movers and shakers in the real estate industry will hold panel discussions, as leading manufacturer of high-quality steel products gears up to take centre stage. 

Aloysious Ntambi, the Public Relations Officer at Steel and Tube Limited, invites attendees to the expo, shedding light on the company's sterling reputation for producing genuine, superior steel products.

Aloysious Ntambi, the Public Relations Officer at Steel and Tube Limited, invites attendees to the expo, shedding light on the company's sterling reputation for producing genuine, superior steel products.

Steel and Tube Limited boasts of a diverse range of construction materials, including round bars, angle bars, stainless steel tanks, barbed wire, S wire nails, chain-link, and a myriad of other essential products. But what makes their presence at the expo truly remarkable is the unveiling of groundbreaking innovations.

Ntambi emphasised the shift away from the conventional practice of importing construction materials, marking a significant turning point. “People have been importing materials to build factories and warehouses,” he observed, “Now, we can manufacture this product at our factory in Namanve. Come and find out how you can build a warehouse and factories,” he urged.

In light of recent concerns regarding collapsing buildings in Uganda, quality remains at the forefront of Steel and Tube Limited's principles and Ntambi made it abundantly clear that Steel and Tube puts an emphasis on quality. 

He explained that in all the stages of production there are quality checks. “Each batch is tested in our state-of-the-art laboratories, ensuring that only the finest materials reach our customers,” he said.

Angle bars from steel and tube.

Ntambi said intending homeowners should prioritise quality over cost-saving when it comes to construction materials. “We encourage people not to go for cheap products which potentially compromise the structural integrity of your construction projects. 

Our bars are labelled - STIL MX B500, signifying our firm commitment to delivering excellence. The Homes and Constructions Expo promises to be more than just a passive display of products. It is an immersive experience. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Steel and Tube Limited's extensive range of construction materials in an up-close and personal way. 

From round bars and angle bars to stainless steel tanks, barbed wire, S wire nails, chain-link, and a plethora of other top-tier products, the sponsor will offer a hands-on, tactile understanding of their offerings.

Steel and tube warehouses

Recognizing the importance of flexibility in financial arrangements, Steel and Tube Limited welcomes potential customers to open accounts and make payments in manageable instalments. 

“We encourage you to come, open up an account and pay in instalments, we deal with many banks, making managing your payments hassle-free and from wherever you are,” he says. 

The Homes and Constructions Expo serves as the perfect platform to witness and explore the latest products and innovations in construction materials. At a fee of sh10,000, one is guaranteed an enlightening, transformative, and interactive experience.