By Obed Kankiriho
Kabale District leaders have launched the construction of a new headquarters for Buhara Sub-county, a Shs1.2 billion project fully financed and implemented by SINO Minerals Investments Company Limited.
The project is being undertaken under the company’s corporate social responsibility programme and is expected to improve working conditions for local government staff while supporting the expansion of SINO Minerals’ iron ore processing operations in the area.
SINO Minerals, which is licensed to mine iron ore in Buhara Sub-county, will construct the new headquarters at Kijoojo Village, the current site of the sub-county offices.
The project follows a decision by the Kabale District Council to allocate 15.5 acres of land for the construction of the new headquarters and the expansion of the company’s iron ore crushing plant.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Kabale District Engineer Januario Bagamuhunda said the new headquarters will include a modern administration block with a council hall, four offices, sanitary facilities and four staff houses.
SINO Minerals Deputy General Manager for Operations, Brian Munanura, said construction is expected to be completed and the facility handed over by October 9, 2026.
He said the company opted to build the new headquarters because the existing offices and staff accommodation are inadequate. He added that the additional land allocated by the district will enable the company to expand its iron ore processing plant, which currently employs hundreds of people from surrounding communities.
According to Munanura, the expansion will increase the company’s monthly iron ore processing capacity from between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes to between 50,000 and 60,000 tonnes. He, however, noted that frequent power outages remain a major challenge affecting production.
Buhara Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Francis Niwaha welcomed the project, saying it will replace the current headquarters, which were built in the 1940s during the colonial era. He also appealed to the company to construct a new police post to support security services in the area.
Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mugabe urged SINO Minerals to expedite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the district to facilitate smooth implementation of the project and future operations.
Kabale District LCV Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe Ndyomugyenyi commended the company for investing in public infrastructure and appealed for additional support to furnish the new offices, noting that the furniture currently in use is outdated.
Launching the project, Kabale Resident District Commissioner Major Godfrey Katamba called on residents to support investors and avoid actions that could hinder their operations. He said attracting investment remains key to promoting industrialisation, creating jobs and boosting economic growth in the district.
