President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has promised to construct a steel industry for the people of Kabale district to help them boost their economy and provide employment to the locals.

He also warned the people who are exporting the iron ore to other countries to stop with immediate effect.

He said this during celebrations of the International Youth Day that were held in Kabale district on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Kigezi High School Lower grounds.

“For a long time we have been looking for an investor to build an integrated steel industry from Iron ore to steel. We have now succeeded and I am saying that those who have been trying to export and process iron ore should stop because they are making us lose money and jobs,” President Museveni noted.

He said that, the iron ore in Kabale and Rubanda districts is the best in the world being 70% pure, adding that the second best is in Peru which is about 50 %-60%.

The celebrations were held under the theme, “Accelerating Recovery from Covid-19 and Full Implementation of 2023 Agenda.”

He promised to go back to Kabale district to discuss in more detail the wealth creation of the area since today was the day for celebrating the youth.

The President also thanked the United Nations (UN) and the family of the UN for their support rendered to some of the government programs.

The day is always celebrated globally on August 12, but according to the Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua who presented a statement to Parliament on behalf of the State Minister for Youth, Sarah Mateke, the celebrations were postponed due to the President’s other official engagements.

The Youth celebrations were attend by the Vice President-Jessica Alupo, Minister for Security-Jim Muhwezi, Minister of State for  Finance (General Duties )-Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Trade Industry and Cooperatives-David Bahati, Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development-Betty Amongi Akena, Minister of State for Youth-Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance-Chris Baryomunsi, Members of Parliament, United Nations family, District and Local leaders, Religious leaders, and the residents of Kabale, Rubanda and Rukiga districts.