MBALE– As Uganda marks its 63rd Independence (celebrated every 9th October) , it has experienced a number of transformation in sectors like Education, Health, as well as industrialization.
Under industrialization, the government through ministry of Finance and Ministry of Trade, has put in place several incentives to attract investors in the country, thereby facilitating the establishment of more new factories. Due to an increase in the number of industries in the country, it has given rise to new industrial Parks with facilities for smooth operation of these industries.
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Among the most popular industrial Parks in the country today, is the Sino Mbale Industrial Park located in Mbale district, Eastern Uganda, consisting of 70 industries providing employment to over 11000 people. This Park has not only created employment for Ugandans, it has also played a big role in Skilling of its employees.
In an interview session, with this website, Employees, Management and investors in the Park shared their experience and future plans in the industrial sector.
Employees Speak out
” When I joined this company , I didn’t have any skill, I used to get 7000 shillings per day , which was later increased upon acquiring skills and experience.Joining this factory, I came as any other unskilled person with just my National Identity Card. I learnt everything from job.” Remarked Dennis Nangai, Carpenter working with Tianao Furniture manufacturing company at Sino Mbale industrial Park
He asked the Government of Uganda, to open up more Vocational institutes to enable more young people from impoverished families to also acquire skills needed on the job market.
“There is also a need to speed up the National Identity Card processing and replacement at NIRA so that people may not lose out on employment opportunities due to lack of these IDs.”
Mugudwa Ayub, Born of Mbale and a General Supervisor at Uni Steel Uganda investment, pointed out, that their factory which is seated on 200 acres of land , employees over 500 staff.
One of biggest steel mills in East Africa. Divided in three phases i.e production of wires rebars , wire mesh, the other making wire nails and different materials. The factory employs skilled and non skilled individuals , who before working, are equipped with skills on how to avoid common risks within the facility.
“I thank H.E Y.K Museveni, for creating good working relationship with Chinese who have provided employment to Ugandans on top of equipping them with the skills required on the job market. I encourage Mzee to bring in more investors so that all unemployed youths can also get jobs.”
Nasongo Grace , a Graduate with Bachelor’s degree in Polymer ,textile and industrial engineering, from Busitema University revealed that, while at Campass she didn’t know that in Mbale there was such a facility where she could be granted an opportunity to practice her profession.
“This is a great initiative which was brought by the President, I thank him for that. Many graduates leave school without experience, but here we get an opportunity to acquire skills which help us in building our career and curriculum Vitae.” Remarked Grace
She also commended her supervisors for being supportive which has helped her to learn a number of skills which she didn’t manage to learn at school
” I was introduced to this company by mum during my vacation, they were looking for a lab attendant and the, I was advised to apply. Being that I was a scientist at during my A level, I didn’t find any problem when I was employed. I was taken through some on job training where I learnt a lot of skills.”
She further urged all the young people in vacation or seated at home , but have National Identity Cards to try out their luck through applying for jobs at Sino Uganda- Mbale industrial Park.
Investors and Sino Mbale Industrial Park Management
“Since the opening of industrial park in 2018, the park has transformed many people’s lives through employing over 11000 individuals, the figure which benefits thousands of families. The industrial park has not only introduced capital and technology, it has improved local production capacity.” Said Frank Liu, Deputy General Manager Sino Uganda- Mbale industrial Park.
He also applauded the employees and other stakeholders for the great collaboration adding that, Park’s growth wouldn’t have been possible without support of all the major key players in the society.
“We congratulate, H.E Y.K Museveni and Ugandan people upon reaching their 63rd Independence anniversary, we trust that with efforts put in this park, we shall take industrialization to another level through creation of more jobs.” Remarked Laurent Zhang, Administrator Sino Mbale industrial Park
He also commended the Government of Uganda for Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) and tax exemption policies which have attracted many Chinese investors to Uganda for business purposes.
“We are creating just jobs , we have 11000 we are targeting 30,000 in ten years. We use ugandan raw materials like, Cotton , Eucalyptus trees, minerals like iron ore among others. In the middle of the process we have wholesalers , who act as middle men between industries and retailers thus creating jobs.On top of that, we export most of the products to Kenya Tanzania , Rwanda, DRC , Sudan etc ” Zhang added
Epau Ivan Jonathan, Human Resources Manager at Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, emphasized that they employ all categories of people i.e skilled , semi skilled and casual workers.
“For casual workers, we ask for LC.1 Recommendation Letter and National Identity Card plus 2 pass port photos. Because we need to know more about the person we are employing.”
That , all new employees are thoroughly trained on how to use the machines for a period of about one to two weeks. After that period, , they are appraised, if found fit, they are put into the system of the production line.
“For the skilled, we ask for applications from the public, we shortlist suitable candidates, interviewed by our panel, we later take them to the factor and they are double interviewed.”
“We are lucky here that, here in Mbale we got liberated in 2018, when the park was Commissioned It employs people from Mbale , Bukedi,Teso, Karamoja, and other parts of the country.
I wish every one, a happy 63rd Ugandan independence independence. I call upon all people to coordinate with the Chinese investors, so that we can develop the industrial Park further.” Epau further added.
Shaw Xiao, the Human Resource Manager at Timber Paper factory, located in Sino Mbale industrial Park pointed out that their main raw materials used in production of serviettes and toilet papers, are Eucalyptus logs and Sugar Canes sourced locally.
“For the supply of raw materials, we get recommendations from our people about the best suppliers. we currently have 1000 employees and looking forward to employ 1000 people in a few years to come.”
