By our Reporter
Rubanda District, Uganda – In a significant development that has stirred local sentiments, Rubanda District is poised to lose over 6,000 potential job opportunities following the relocation of an anticipated iron ore factory to Ntungamo District.
The iron ore factory, Originally promised in a 2016 presidential pledge, the factory was set to be established by the Devki Group of Companies from India, led by Chairman Raval Guru Narendra where the proposed site for the factory encompassed a 250-acre piece of land located in Kabirizi, Kanyamatembe, and Kishaki villages within Rubanda town council.
However, the project faced hurdles when a section of Catholics from the Kabale Diocese raised concerns, accusing the then district officials of allocating church-owned land for the factory’s construction.
Despite these challenges, hopes remained high until recent directives from the president redirected the establishment of the iron ore factory to Ntungamo District, a decision marks a significant shift in plans, leaving Rubanda District grappling with the loss of thousands of job opportunities that were expected to boost the local economy and provide employment to many residents most especially the youth.
The relocation has sparked discussions among community members and leaders, who are now seeking alternative avenues for economic development and job creation and while on consultative meetings with residents of Hamurwa sub-county in their respective villages, Hon. Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema the Rubanda county East hopeful member of parliament and former LC5 Chairperson pledged to remind the president on the same iron ore factory agreement they agreed on for the benefit of Rubanda District residents.
