Genuine Players in Construction on Same Footing YOGI STEELS LTD “Today for Tomorrow”

Issue No. 13, September 2019

theme: up and running

work relations: Putting people at the heart of your business Taxes: Tax legislation in the construction sector offers: Boost your capacity by utilising UNABCEC’s special discount programs

Genuine players in construction on same footing YOGI STEELS LTD “Today For Tomorrow”

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Z Polythen TMT Angles For Nails bars Foundation

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2 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Editorial This magazine is a publication of Uganda National Association of Building and Civil The construction Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC) landscape is getting Project Leader Elizabeth Muhebwa Executive Director, UNABCEC bigger and better [email protected] +256 704 637049 f you look around you, in any part of the country’s urban centres, Editor there is a construction project Asiimwe Peninah B I going on. It could be a road, shopping [email protected], mall, school, hotel and many other as- +256 779 877744 pects of construction. Only a few years ago, the Entebbe Greative Design Expressway was only a plan on paper. Mike Louboyera Musaasizi And the place on which the road now [email protected] +256 772 536 512 sits was a residential area and part of it a swamp. And so was the cable-sus- contributors pended Source of the Nile Bridge, the Francis Karuhanga, Elizabeth Muhebwa, Mike magnificent URA Towers and the many Serunkuuma, Jetty Nuwagira, Dorothy Uzamukunda, new UNRA road networks across the Eng. Jamesone Olonya, Eng. Ronald Mugabi, Nyanja country. Abraham, Can. Eng. Jonathan G. Mwedde, Florence These and many more big construc- Nakyeyune, Namirembe Patricia N. Kyeyune, Caroline tion projects only serve to show how Mukhaye Kyesimira, Sybella Namirembe, Mariam N. the sector is on a steady growth. And Kabanda with the growth in the sector, we will definitely see big growth in our indig- Proofreader Michael Agaba enous construction companies. And [email protected] it has already started as you will read +256 782 384457 and discover, some of the construction projects featured are being undertaken UNABCEC Secretariat by indigenous companies. International Partners Uganda National Association of Building But for this to get even bigger and and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC) better, we may need to see partner- Plot M764, Coronation Avenue, ships between foreign and local con- UMA Show Grounds, Lugogo tractors. P.O Box 34046, Kampala Tel: +256 392 795036 And if you thought engineering was Email: [email protected] a reserve for men, this issue brings you www.unabcec.co.ug even more exciting experiences of Mar- iam Kabanda and Sybella Namirembe Copyright 2019 UNABCEC. All rights reserved. No who are sailing the wavy waters of en- part of this magazine may be copied or re-distributed gineering with boldness. Find this and without permission from UNABCEC secretariat. more well packaged articles that won’t Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication allow you put your copy down until the are not necessarily those of Uganda National Associa- last full stop. tion of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC). Whereas every care is taken in compiling the contents of this publication, UNABCEC assumes no Peninah responsibility for the statements made by the contributors or advertisers in this publication.

Local Partners

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 1 Contents Girls shouldn’t 13 shy away FROM ENGINEERING 11 Mariam Namiya Kabanda made the decision to become an engineer early in her life. The decision was a no brainer at all. From as early as her days at Buganda Road Primary School, Kabanda noticed that Math- ematics and Science came easy with her. partnerships will give contractors edge 13 In order to beckon government to consider local contractors while awarding contracts for big 17 “Business ethics - The answer to sustainability” construction projects. 20-21 Business ethics refers to the contemporary organiza- E.Procurement: tional standards, principles, sets of values and norms that govern the actions and behavior of an individual A solution to wast- in the business organization. Acting ethically takes into age and fraud in account all the factors of doing business. procument 27 30 PUTTING PEOPLE AT THE HEART Public procurement offers the OF YOUR BUSINESS largest business opportunities 38 in Uganda. Uganda spends approximately 65% of the People-centred Leaders care about both government budget through people and results; they know that the only public procurement. way to get results is through their people. So how does this thinking play out in organisations today? UNABCEC’s special 28 discount programs induction of the board of di- 42 rectors sets new energy UNABCEC, under her Dis- 50 count programme, provides The Annual General Meeting of December 6, 2018 her members with access to saw a new Board of Directors elected into office. The high quality services. Secretariat then set to out to orient the Directors into the UNABCEC culture, farmiliarise them with the 52 closer view of the association’s functions, services and financial activities in a quick but effective manner.

2 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 3 President’s Message We are determined to continue serving our partners better

n behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to take brink of some very profound changes and have detailed this opportunity to welcome new members to the our Seven interventions that we demand from govern- Oassociation of genuine contractors in Uganda, ment. Our goal with the Future Focus initiative is to track while at the same time re-assuring all existing members of our those changes and develop programs and educational materi- continued commitment to serve them to the best of our abili- als to help all the stakeholders to profit from them. ties, based on UNABCEC’s 5 Corner Stones of Professionalism, We extend our special appreciation to the following stake- Knowledge, Care, Credibility and Development. holders that have embraced and continue to support this We shall also continue to cherish and inculcate our new values Future Focus initiative. of Humanity, Harmony and Democracy. As a contractors’ mem- 1.Ministry of Works and Transport for setting up Construc- ber association, our promise of quality service to members is tion Industry Development Committee comprising all stake- the same promise our members are encouraged to extend to holders to deliberate and advise its top management on issues their own clients so that they continue to distinguish them- that affect the industry. selves as paragons of quality service in the provision of 2.Uganda National Roads Authority that established a full- construction services in our country. time UNABEC desk in the executive director’s office to address Construction is a tremendously intricate process, consid- any written issues from the sector. The entity bi-annually en- ering the attendant capital and resource intensiveness, gages the stakeholders in a face to face forum and is the only besides the involvements of many stakeholders over the long- entity of Uganda government that has pioneered mandatory associated lifecycles and lead times—moreover the industry is subcontracting on the projects executed by foreign provid- compounded with significant complexities of managing the ers. entire maturation processes efficiently. 3.Foreign providers - Ms Mota-Engil Engenharia E Constru- Resolving numerous causes and effects of poor construction cao Africa SA, Ms SBI International Holdings (AG) Uganda quality in Uganda, which include: that continue to engage national providers on their ongoing i.Poor engineering and contracting details (involving critical projects (which do not have any local content mandatory re- matters of: research and materials’ selection, improper docu- quirement) to supply all local materials and engage local staff mentations, procurement criterion, etc) up to their middle management levels of their firms. ii.Corporate and individual Ineffectiveness (i.e meagre insti- 4.Resident providers – Ms. Dott Services Ltd, Ms. Roko tutional interactions, inapt construction management prac- Construction Ltd and Ms. Terrain services Ltd that engage tices, lack of proper supervisions, ignorance, carelessness, national subcontractors, and employ 99% local staff up to their negligence, conflict of/and vested interests). top management level. iii.Poor workmanship (i.e incorrect interpretations, hydro-geo- The special Future Focus issues are designed to share informa- technical cataclysms, formwork catastrophes, methodological tion about some of the new developments, technologies and maintenance failures etc), requires an extensive and and techniques that are transforming our industry. But concerted national effort. we also want to explore how construction stakeholders in Such effort is made unnecessarily more difficulty by the lack Uganda are harnessing these new developments, technolo- of common, robust and effective national regulatory frame- gies and techniques to their benefit. work or standards; meaning that these problems must be These special issues will be just one of the ways we work to solved separately for each of us involved in this sector. prepare ourselves for the coming industry transformation. We From this new edition of The Contractor, we shall continue are also putting a special focus on the future as we develop to look at how the industry is evolving and sharing what we cooperative and supportive programs for all our members – need to know to keep pace with those changes. The trans- foreign, resident and national providers. Working together is formations have come and will continue to come to our necessary to achieve the envisaged development goals of construction industry that are sweeping, and we want to Uganda government and to promote East African common make sure that all construction stakeholders in Uganda protocol. Our strength lies in our ability to speak with understand what is happening and how to benefit from one voice on matters affecting our industry and to ne- those changes. gotiate concessions for the collective benefit of the entire We developed the idea for this issue as part of the Future construction sector. Focus initiative we established during our Silver Jubilee in 2018. We went to great lengths to spend as much time looking Francis Karuhanga forward as we did review our past during our anniversary. As UNABCEC President. we did that, it became very clear that our industry is on the

4 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 5 Elizabeth Muhebwa >Exective Director A lot remains to be desired of the 30% local content

mentation is difficult. UNABCEC advocates for n March 2017, PPDA issued guidelines Main contractors the following recommendations if the mandatory on reservation and preference schemes engage subcontractors subcontracting policy is to achieve its intended that introduced a mandatory subcon- to carry out their tractingI requirement on all public works to national objective: contractual work. providers. The scheme was aimed at not only in- They normally look for i. Method of engaging subcontractors through creasing the input of local labour, goods and ser- subcontractors who vices, but to also build capacity of local contrac- nomination by the client. It would be difficult to already have the achieve the objective of empowering and creat- tors who are otherwise always outcompeted by necessary skill and foreign providers. This was later amended (before ing jobs for the local contractors if main contrac- experience for that tors are left to engage subcontractors. The prefer- implementation) in February 2018 to include resi- particular work. dent providers who are foreign firms incorporated ence of nomination by the clients is that it would for two years thus the government effectively dis- enhance fairness and reduce cases of main con- empowered local contractors. tractors buying off subcontracts while pretending Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is the to have subcontracted. If main contractors are left only implementing entity that has piloted the man- alone to implement the policy in its current state, datory subcontracting on her projects in line with very few subcontractors would be engaged. PPDA guidelines on reservation and preference schemes with the aim of empowering and build- ii. Works should be identified and allocated ing capacities of local contractors. We applaud the Prime Cost Sums for subcontracting on all proj- entity for the initiative. A handful of Ugandan con- ects to national providers only. The allocation of struction companies have been taken on under prime cost sums prior to bidding process of the this scheme and have executed some of the road project would help unify prices of the subcon- works that would have otherwise been an exclusive tractors so as to avoid cases whereby projects preserve of foreign companies. This, however, is not fail due to under quoting with the aim of working according to the intended purpose as just winning the bids. Furthermore, it will there seem to be no established frameworks for avoid biases from the main contractors who implementing the subcontracting policy. might get tempted to quote lower prices on works earmarked for subcontractors. Deficiencies in the 30% subcontracting policy iii. Contract Management on major proj- There are three major deficiencies of the 30 per- ects funded by government under international cent mandatory subcontracting policy; bidding. The scope of works for subcontractors i. no clear guidelines on the implementation of should be well defined in the main contract doc- the policy uments and the main contractor only manages ii. no participation of subcontractors in the de- the subcontractors. The terms and conditions termination of work, and for subcontracting would be included in the iii. subcontractors don’t participate in the pro- contract documents, especially payment terms, curement process and are only introduced after retention, advance payment bond, defect liabil- contract is awarded. ity period and liquidated damages. The main Subcontractors are engaged after the main con- contractor would still be responsible for the tractor is awarded with the contract. The allotment overall performance of the project. Monitoring of work is also undertaken at this stage by the main of subcontractors and the project would be car- contractor. This leaves room for inconsistencies in ried out for purposes of checking progress and the manner in which subcontractors are engaged. evaluating the capacity building programme. Main contractors engage subcontractors to carry Monitoring would be to assess which subcontrac- out their contractual work. They normally look for tors graduate from the programme. The process subcontractors who already have the necessary would also be used to re-assess those subcontrac- skill and experience for that particular work. This tors failing to perform. Performing subcontractors is in contrast with the mandatory subcontracting would then be recommended for upgrade. At policy which emphasises the transfer of skills and the end of the project, it is expected that some building capacities of local contractors. Thus, subcontractors would have been upgraded and even though the policy is in place, its imple- able to bid for jobs with high values.

6 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Eng. Ronald Eng. Ronald Mugabi Mugabi

Elizabeth Muhebwa Jetty Nuwagire Flavia Kebirungi Ibrahim Kasiita Mike Serunkuuma Executive Director Finance/Admin Administrator Memebership Programs Officer Manager Consultant

Harriet Asabiti Golooba Vincent Allan Kamukama Muhiirwe Ronald Office Attendant Projects Intern Field / Office Adminstrative Assistant Assistant SACCO

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 7 Girl Power Girls shouldn’t shy away MARIAM Kabanda

FROM ENGINEERING Narrowing down Ironically, as soon as she embarked on this journey of a lifetime, she started second-guessing. It was all raindrops on roses in the first year, probably because it was all theoretical beginner’s mode, so to speak. But then came second year, and with it, the end of utopia. “I did an internship with Uganda Na- tional Roads Authority (UNRA) at the Mpigi station. It was not so challenging at first because I was assigned to do office work but then time to move to the field where hands on engineering happens came. I spent months in the materials laboratories. It was very dirty, with extremely noisy machines, and physically demanding. That is when I started questioning my decision,” she recounts.

Those months refocused her lens dramatically. She realised there were sections of this new world she had chosen for herself that she was not at all com- fortable with. The experience made her decide what she really wanted to do as an engineer. She had had a taste of most aspects of engineering, ranging from traffic to materials to building and water in that one internship. She chose traffic.

Projects Today, several years after completing her undergraduate degree, Kabanda By Anthony Mushoborozi sions, Kabanda would choose to follow her heart instead. has done most of her projects in traf- ariam Namiya Kabanda made “In O-Level, I enjoyed Mathematics fic work. As a transport economist the decision to become an and Technical Drawing so much that I and traffic engineer, she has designed engineer early in life. The de- reasoned it would be fun to do that for Kampala’s outer belt way that will con- M nect all the highways shooting out of cision was a no-brainer. From her early life,” Kabanda says. days at Buganda Road Primary School, As she was winding up her sec- Kampala City. That way, a motorist from Mariam noticed that Mathematics and ondary school, Kabanda would find a the West does not have to first enter Science came easy with her. When she dilemma on which course to pursue Kampala City in order to proceed to the later joined Gayaza High School for on at university. Choosing between East or the North. The project kicks off secondary education, it became even engineering and architecture would later this year. Other projects include clearer what career path she would pun out to be as torturous as choos- the design work on the Lukku-Kalangala take. Subjects like Technical Drawing ing between one’s right and left arms. road, which is in its final stages. It runs and the entire compendium on the sci- She had been drawn to Architecture for 42kilometres on one of the biggest ence menu tended to burn her wood because she loved Technical Drawing. islands on Ssese Islands. quite effortlessly. In fact, she was so However, when all cards were placed Professional growth proficient in all the science subjects on the table, she chose civil engineer- Though Kabanda has done most of that her family tried to interest her into ing because it was broader. her work as a consultant, she recently becoming a medical doctor. But as it started taking on projects as a con- always is with all of life’s major deci- tractor. This has been made possible

8 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG through her company, Reenboog Construc- To women considering an engineering tion Services Limited (RCS). The nascent The dream... career Bugolobi-based company that she opened “Go for what you want and be aggressive only two years ago has done some construc- about it,” Kabanda says sternly. “Girls should tion work for a reputable international non- not shy away from a career in engineering. It governmental organisation and is currently is doable. Make a promise to yourself to not undertaking construction projects in Bidi- cower from the challenges.” bidi Refugee Settlement in Yumbe District. 18 She appreciates that one of the biggest chal- Opening her own company has unearthed The age at which lenges to women in this career is their role as a whole new ecosphere for the young engi- Mariam dreamed of a wife but advises that one should care to get neer. She says she has been amazed at how setting up a a man who will support her. Talking about this the engineering industry is ruled by busi- construction during dating would be paramount. nessmen and not engineers. company “A male friend of mine once told me he Kabanda says her experience running a wouldn’t marry an engineer because accord- contracting company has shown her why ing to him, it would be like marrying a fellow most engineers would rather keep on the Would she still man,” Kabanda laughs before saying not bal- other side of the river. It involves invest- choose a career in ancing work and life would sadly result in that ing for so long without harvesting. It takes engineering if she sort of situation. one out of their comfort zone and being a had to start over? But she says when challenges of that nature woman in man’s world, it makes everything “When all is said and come up, the tendency is for the woman to much more challenging. And yet, she con- done, Kabanda would give up her dream for the man yet she advises siders setting up her company as her great- not choose another that one should not aspire to just be some- est professional successes, the insurmount- career over this one. one’s wife. able challenges notwithstanding. The challenges of “Think about why your patents paid school “I am naturally a person who does not operating a construc- fees for all those years. Never let anyone tell give up. Before my family, before my clients, tion business in a you that you cannot do something. When I I commit to myself. And I made a commit- male-dominated world started this company, I did not get very many ment to myself when I was 18. I wrote down has taught her to be encouraging comments. People will project things I wanted to do. One of those things strong. Being as it is their insecurities on you. ‘Will you manage? was to set up a construction company. That that the business is full Where will you get all that money?’ If you listen alone means that no challenge can make of male porters, fore- to every opinion, you won’t go far. It’s between me back down. Of course I have second- men, engineers, among you and yourself. No one else. Not your par- guessed myself several times but fortu- others you have to ents, your spouse or siblings,” she says. nately, I made it clear a long time ago that I learn a whole new set cannot give up,” she says. of people-skills. Men Would she still choose engineering? As a new company on the scene, getting are not easy like wom- When all is said and done, Kabanda would the first job is the hardest part. Kabanda en. They talk in a way not choose another career over this one. The got her first contract by being as tenacious that women might find challenges of operating a construction busi- as an A-lister marketer. After registering mean but you cannot ness in a male-dominated world has taught the company, she approached one of the afford to take things her to be strong. Being as it is that the busi- largest companies, Sogea Satom, and told personally.” ness is full of male porters, foremen, engineers, them they would do well with her skills. among others you have to learn a whole new “I told them I was a contractor. I can carry set of people-skills. Men are not easy like out works. I can supply. They told me they women. They talk in a way that women might would get back, I pushed and pushed until find mean but you cannot afford to take things they finally said yes,” she says. personally.

Challenges “As a wife, you are supposed to take care The future of your husband and yet as an engineer, I have big dreams for my company as well most times it’s had to deliver on that per- as myself. By the end of this year, I see myself fectly. There is a lot of fieldwork involved growing the company finances to more than which keeps you away from home making Shs1 billion. Anywhere after that, we are go- it very hard to achieve a balance. It takes ing global. a man who is a friend to be okay with a But in all as a female engineer, balance work woman who comes home at 10pm. I am and life. Let your husband get involved in your lucky to have that kind of man,” she says. work. That way, he will understand you better when you have to be away from home. Support him in his endeavors too. Yet always remember family comes first.

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 9 Girl Power YOUNG WOMEN Sybella Namirembe

ENGINEERS male engineers are sometimes subjected to desk work yet if given tasks they can Should engage mentors also go an extra-mile,” she advises. Considering a career in engineering to get to the top And indeed this woman, who is full of all these words of wisdom, spent several By Chrispus Buule years in the construction industry before joining petroleum. And her love for the lthough there are very few female right subjects started off this journey. engineers in the sector, Sybella “I loved Physics and Mathematics from ANamirembe, a petroleum engineer, the very start and having parents who says the ground is well levelled for more fe- were engineers also played a big role in males to join the sector. Namirembe be- endearing me to engineering,” she recalls. lieves that the females in the sector, es- But the dream for this petroleum engi- pecially the young ones, should engage neer then was civil engineering because mentors to support their dreams rather construction works had been part of than talk them down on the nature of in- her life even as a child. “If I was not busy dustry and who it is meant for. colouring pictures, I was in the sand and She believes that many times what young aggregates playing and building all sorts women are told about the engineering sector of things. This is how I spent my nursery scares them off yet according to her, no mat- school evenings all the way to primary ter the complexities, the engineering world school holidays as I sat on construction is very exciting because engineers sites waiting for my mother to are always solving the problems finish supervising different around them. projects,” she recounts. “Young women should And while in high embrace technology and school, Namirembe question the status quo started procuring ma- not just follow what terials on behalf of has been done for the the construction de- past years but rather partment during her add value. They holidays. She says should also chal- she always went lenge themselves into the market in different engi- with one rule she neering aspects in was taught –ne- order to ease the gotiation. That is complexities in the how it has been sector,” Namirembe since then. advises. With the As a means of urge to be further levelling a great en- the ground for g i n e e r , fair participation, Namirembe Namirembe calls on during her engineering firms internship to re-think their opted to strategy and accord fix the loop- female engineers vi- holes in the brant tasks other than sector and stereotyping them as- that is when suming they cannot deliver enough. “Fe-

10 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG she got acquainted with the importance of Namirembe says despite recruitment ini- accountability. During her internships, she got Advice to women tiatives, there are still underlying critical is- acquainted with the importance of account- engineers sues that make it very hard for women to “There is no room for ability and over the years, she has come to thrive in the industry. She notes that the being fainthearted. You understand that accountability still lacks in the culture within a given organisation also go for the job aggres- industry not only in terms of monetary value plays a critical role in the retention of female sively until the last but also to different stakeholders that are af- engineers. stage. I believe there fected by different projects. A culture and behaviour within an or- are initiatives to create ganisation that promotes male engineers Responsibilities and learning equal opportunities for only suppresses skills that would otherwise Namirembe says at the moment, her focus is women in the industry add value to the industry. “The confidence, on identifying areas of improvement by adopt- and the engineering zeal and enthusiasm that women have ex- ing six sigma and lean principles, which are community as a whole. pressed makes it very hard not to include all quality management tools to support her Women have also be- them on different engineering teams. We are in formulating strategic business goals and come more aggressive critical thinkers and thorough executors,” she objectives. and believe in them- proudly says. She achieves this by working hand in hand selves to excel in these However, Namirembe adds, that this po- with different departments in identifying areas fields. It is necessary tential can only be tapped into if organi- that need to be improved and implementing that women interested sations, particularly top management and new systems to improve their performance. in the industry stay line managers, create an environment that Her key learning area is grit, which is key in ambitious, passionate is friendly and supportive to female engi- such a competitive industry. and flexible.” neers. Planning for her work is also very essential in order to manage the three major elements of To the women engineers the industry; cost, time and quality. However, Namirembe believes that despite the hur- she says, in working as an engineer she has dles blocking females from thriving in the learnt to appreciate the power of teamwork. industry, they should not be discouraged but rather press on to cause change and Women engineers and recruitment level the ground for others.

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 11 partnerships will give contractors edge By Chrispus Buule home country at an affordable rate. “As govern- UNABCEC heartily appreciates: ment we need to facilitate contractors to be n order to forge a way forward for con- able to access money at an affordable interest tractors in the country, members of the • Toyota Limited rate,” he said. IUganda National Association of Building • Ganatra Plant & He added that in seeking quality works, local and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC) Equipment Limited contractors need to be given an upper hand gathered at Kingdom Kampala on July 4, to dis- • Nc Bank Uganda because government finds it hard to put main- cuss progress and problems facing their sector. • Achelis Uganda Limited tenance clauses in contracts with foreign com- Ms Elizabeth Muhebwa, the executive direc- • Cgcoc Group panies. “It is incumbent upon government, local tor Uganda National Association of Building and • Mantrac (U) Limited contractors and all the other players, including Civil Engineering Contractors said as the associa- banks, to work together as a team to help build • Dott Services Limited tion continues to streamline opportunities for the capacity of contractors,” Gen Wamala added. • Coil Limited local contractors, there is need to create partner- Jim Wei, the chief representative CGCOC group ships with international stakeholders • Bank Of Africa Uganda, noted that much as there is a law to en- “To entrench subcontracting up to 30 per cent • Armco Superlite force local content, there is a need by the gov- of actual works on all development projects we • Tyre Express ernment to functionalise the Buy Uganda Build have to ensure that foreign service providers • Pramukh Steel Uganda (BUBU) policy so as to benefit both the partner with domestic service providers through • Africa Road Furniture Ltd local contractors and other service providers. sub-contracting or joint-ventures on all infra- for sponsoring her mid-year Mark Anthony Muyobo, the executive director structure projects whose values are above na- Stakeholders Engagement NC bank Uganda, revealed that the bank had tional reservation threshold,” she said. Forum on July 4, at Kingdom started a programme to finance equipment and While calling for support, Francis Karuhanga, Kampala assets. He added that the bank has already part- the UNABCEC president, said the government nered with some members of UNABCEC such as should facilitate the acquisition of a revolving Ganatra Plant and Equipment Limited to offer equipment lease fund worth about Shs104 bil- asset based finance support. lion into Uganda Development Bank. He also Still on equipment, Mr Baisama Awori, the asked the government to establish a specified National Sales and Marketing Manager Toyota training centre for plant operator and machin- Uganda, unveiled a Toyota Double Cabin that ery. consumes 2.8 on manual transmission, which Minister of state for Works, Gen Katumba he said, offers a contractor support solution in Wamala, noted that it is not possible for a lo- addition to being durable. cal contractor, who gets money at high interest rates, to compete favourably for a project with a foreign company, which got funds from their

12 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Construction votes 2021

Get up and let’s be in class The construction sector is the 2nd major contributor to Uganda’s economic development after agriculture. The construction industry and the thousands of workers it employs have much at stake in this upcoming election. Now more than ever, it is important to elect leaders willing to work for common-sense solutions to the challenges facing the construction industry and its workforce. Be a construction voter by registering to vote and voting in the general election 2021.

Are you an employer in the construction industry?

Research shows that 4 out of 5 workers want in- living as stake holders in this mighty industry will be formation from their employers about candidates, is- developed as well. sues and elections. You are, therefore, encouraged to Provide time for your employees to register and get provide time and talk to your employees, family and their National Identity cards now and encourage them friends to register now for national identity cards so as to vote for only those candidates dedicated to promot- to be included on the national agenda. ing our industry. Mobilise them further to encourage Tell them the issues we are facing as the construction their friends and relatives to do the same. industry that can be addressed by the leaders. Employ- The simplest voter registration efforts on your part ees should know that once the construction industry can produce high-yield results. is streamlined and well developed, their standard of

Potential candidate? Are you an aspiring presidential, MP or District council candidate in the forthcoming general elections? Interventions to develop the construction industry are well underlined, kindly get in touch with us to include them in your manifesto and be assured of the construction votes.

Here is a simple calculation of the construction votes: UNABCEC currently has 256 member companies each averagely employing 200 potential voters and each employee has an average of 20 friends and/or relatives. This gives us 1,024,000 votes from contractors. Apart from these contractors registered with UNABCEC, the construction industry is composed of a lot more stakeholders namely; consultants, architects, surveyors, engineers among others who, in addition to their staff, friends and relatives, can make a constituency of over 2,000,000 voters.

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 13 Tax legislation in the construction sector Dorothy Uzamukunda

here are various laws that affect income is calculated as gross income respect of income derived from sources businesses in the construction less allowable deductions. Individu- in Uganda, for example dividends, in- Tsector. These businesses, whether als are taxed based on given tax bands terest, rent, royalties, natural resource operating as companies, partnerships or and partnerships fall in the same bands. payments, management charges, pay- individuals, may be contracted or sub- Branches of companies suffer an addi- ments under a Ugandan-source services contracted to carry out engineering, ar- tional branch repatriation tax of 15%. contract and purchase of an asset from a chitectural, building, and supervisory or There are various initiatives in the tax non-resident. Where a construction firm construction works. law, which allow for deduction of busi- is operating as a member of a group or Uganda’s tax regime for the construc- ness expenditure and capital costs in in partnership with non-resident firms, tion sector is governed largely by five determining the income that is subject it is likely that there may be payments major laws. These are the Income Tax Act to tax. Start-up costs mostly relate to ex- on which withholding should be made. (ITA) Cap 340, the Value Added Tax Act penditure incurred in starting up and is The default rate of withholding tax to Cap 349, the Tax Procedure Code Act, commonly used as a default category non-residents is 15% but it may be re- 2014, the East African Community Cus- for up-front capital expenses that do not duced under given circumstances. In toms Management Act, and the Stamp fall within another depreciable category some instances, Ugandan taxpayers Duty Act, 2014. (that is, as depreciable assets, industrial have additional withholding obligations, We also have various regulations un- buildings or intangible assets). There is especially if they have been designated der the main acts, and these include; the also a deduction for minor capital equip- by the commissioner as withholding tax Income Tax (Withholding Tax) Regula- ment with a cost base less than UGX1 agents. tions, 2000, the Income Tax (Transfer million if the item is able to normally The WHT rate on local payments is 6% Pricing) Regulations, 2011, the Income function on its own. These initiatives unless the payee is exempt. Tax (Designation of Payers) Notice, 2018, apply to all companies in Uganda and Where tax has been withheld, the Value Added Tax Regulations, 1996, and construction firms are able to benefit as amount should be remitted to the URA the Value Added Tax (Deferment of Tax well. within 15 days after the end of the on Plant and Machinery) Regulations, The tax law also provides for the treat- month in which the payment subject to 2013. ment of long term contracts. It is not WHT was made. A WHT return must also Rulings from the tax appeals tribunal, uncommon for infrastructure projects be filed with the URA by the same dead- courts and other common law coun- to span over a number of years. ITA line. The returns are filed electronically tries also provide useful precedents on provides guidance on how the revenue on the URA e-filing platform. interpretation and meaning of tax pro- from such projects should be treated The ITA also provides for the obliga- visions. when preparing income tax returns and tions of withholding tax agents, which The URA Commissioner-General is- when to recognise that revenue for tax include withholding and remitting the sues various practice notes spelling out purposes. correct amounts as well as issuing tax the application of some provisions in tax In terms of compliance, ITA requires credit certificates (TCC). A withholding laws. The practice notes are usually pub- all taxpayers to file income tax returns, agent, who fails to withhold tax, is per- lished in the Gazette. whether they operate as individuals, sonally liable to pay the tax, which has We will first look at the Income Tax Act partnership or companies. not been withheld. Additionally, fail- (ITA), which has been in operation since Provisions relating to withholding tax ure to deduct and remit WHT on time July 1, 1997. Generally, corporate income are also contained in ITA. Withholding tax will attract interest and penalties. It is, tax is imposed at the standard rate of (WHT) is imposed on certain payments therefore, important to review contracts 30% on chargeable income. Chargeable to both residents and non-residents in entered into to determine withholding

14 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG entities, as such transactions can be supported on an arm’s length basis. The regulations also provide for related penalties for non-compliance. With respect to Value Added Tax, construction services, whether comprising engineering, civil works, or architectural designs are standard rated services and subject to VAT at the rate of 18%. Accord- ing to the VAT law, every provider, who exceeds the registration threshold by making sales of UGX 150 million a year or UGX 35 million in any three month period, is required to register, charge VAT on the services and goods that they supply. This requirement also produces an obligation to file monthly VAT returns. However, the VAT Act contains a number of incentives that taxpayers in the construction sector can benefit from. For example, a number of goods and services are exempt from VAT. They include supplies of feasibility studies, design and construction services provided to a developer of an industrial park or free zone, earth moving equipment and machinery for development of an industrial park, construction materials for development of an industrial park or free zone obligations and comply with these to avoid interest and penalties. Uganda has double taxation agreements (DTAs) with nine countries. These are Mauritius, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, Denmark, India, Italy and Zambia. Therefore, when payments that would normally be subjected to withholding tax are made to a recipient in a DTA country, they may be able to benefit from reduced rates under the tax treaty provided the recipient meets the eligibility requirements contained in the ITA, such as having economic substance in that country. Uganda also has transfer pricing regulations, which apply to controlled transactions between related parties. URA also issued a practice note on May 14, 2012, giving details on the transfer pricing documentation to be maintained by each taxpayer that has entered into related party transactions with other group entities. Such details include the various companies involved and transaction details, including agreements and the pricing methodology used in determining the arm’s-length price. The transfer pricing provisions provide guidance on methods that are acceptable when allocating profits between group

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 15 to a developer of an industrial park or free debt. If a business intends to rely on docu- zone, services to conduct a feasibility study ments that have been entered into, it is im- and design, the supply of locally produced portant that stamp duty is paid on time. materials for the construction of a factory $704.2 b In general, the Tax Procedures Code (TPC) or a warehouse and the supply of locally Act provides for processes to be followed in produced raw materials and inputs or ma- According to data the administration of all the domestic tax chinery and equipment of an operator in from the National laws so that there is consistency in how the an industrial park. Contractors and subcon- Endowment of the URA addresses various issues originating tractors of energy projects also enjoy a VAT Art in the US, in under the different tax laws. Some of the exemption on goods and services provided 2013, arts and cul- matters, which are covered under the TPC, to them. tural production include registration for taxpayers, tax agents Another key incentive that is useful is the contributed $704.2 and representatives; accounts and records VAT deferment for a VAT registered importer billion to the U.S. to be maintained by taxpayers, filing of tax of plant and machinery who may apply to economy, a 32.5 per- returns, tax assessments; the process of ap- the Commissioner General to defer pay- cent increase since pealing against tax decisions, practice notes ment of VAT in respect of such items. This 1998. and rulings, offences and penalties; and how facility is useful for purposes of saving the URA conducts tax investigations. importer the cash flow that would other- Facts. Uganda is part of the East African Com- wise be used in making payment of VAT at Currently there are munity (EAC) customs union, which applies importation. three main rates of a common external tariff (CET) on goods There are, however, other provisions import duty under the imported from outside the EAC. The move- within the VAT Act, which taxpayers would CET, 0%, 10% and 25%. ment of goods within the EAC is generally need to be aware of. For example, the in- Most capital goods import duty free (but other import taxes still ability to claim input tax credit during (equipment and ma- apply). The import of goods and applica- construction phase as well as accounting chinery) are subject to tion of import duty is governed by the EAC for VAT on imported services, where such CET of 0%. In addition, Customs Management Act, 2004, (EACCMA). services are provided by a foreign supplier. the import of goods Rules of origin apply to determine where This may especially be the case where a is subject to an infra- goods are imported from. taxpayer is working with foreign suppliers structure levy of 1.5% Currently, there are three main rates of in a consortium or where a contract is be- on the CIF value of the import duty under the CET; 0%, 10% and ing implemented by a Ugandan contrac- goods. At the moment, 25%. Most capital goods (equipment and tor together with its foreign head office. this is not applied on machinery) are subject to CET of 0%. In ad- The VAT Act requires the Ugandan client goods which have a dition, the import of goods is subject to an to account for VAT on imported services 0% import duty rate infrastructure levy of 1.5% on the CIF value at a rate of 18%. The VAT paid on imported and therefore, it is of the goods. At the moment, this is not services cannot be claimed as an input tax likely that capital applied on goods, which have a 0% im- credit irrespective of whether the company equipment used in the port duty rate and therefore, it is likely that is registered for VAT or not, and, therefore, construction industry capital equipment used in the construction the tax represents an additional cost to the would benefit from industry would benefit from these initia- project company. these initiatives. In tives. In addition, VAT and withholding tax Construction projects are capital intensive addition, VAT and are charged where the importer is not ex- and require the developers and contractors withholding tax are empt. Exports are largely not subject to duty to invest large sums of money. While some charged where the im- though the necessary forms have to be duly funds may be provided by the owners, it is porter is not exempt. completed. inevitable that businesses have to rely on Exports are largely In conclusion, it should be noted that the financial services providers to provide ad- not subject to duty above tax provisions are not exhaustive, but ditional funding for various projects. Firms though the necessary provide a general outline of the tax regime that are engaged in construction may use forms have to be duly applying to the construction sector. Where either debt or equity. Both of these options completed. specific advice in respect of particular trans- have stamp duty implications. Stamp duty actions is needed, consultation should be is payable on the nominal value of the share sought from a tax professional. capital. Debt instruments such as mortgage and debenture documents as well as loan Dorothy Uzamukunda, agreements are also subject to stamp duty PWC, Manager – Tax Services [email protected]

16 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Earn and Learn: A smart choice for college learners

Abraham Nyanja

minimise resources, which is one the core principles of a successful project. I must state if there is any organisation or company that is willing to take on a fresh graduate and nurture him/her into the world of engineering through of- fering trainings that open up new ideas and pointing him/her into the right direction, that is the biggest offer you can ever receive as a fresh graduate. I call upon all responsible stakeholders; the government, ERB, UIPE, UNABCEC, UNRA and institutions to put in place such opportunities so as to guide fresh graduates. We shall create a better world and mould better engineers if we all get involved.

Abraham Nyanja is a gradu- he fear of securing a job place- but when given a chance at a supervisory role, ate Civil Engineer with ment from a prominent high- the fear of whether you are doing the right Armpass Technical Services Ltd Tway contractor was my biggest thing slowly reduces and you gain the passion. worry. And as a Bachelor’s of Science You also learn how to multitask and how to graduate, my biggest fear was of not being able to apply the science I had studied, relating it with the practical world of civil engineering. Luckily, I got a chance to be on graduate training with Armpass Tech- nical Services Ltd. I was attached to UNABCEC GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM Mubende-Kakumiro-Kagadi road proj- UNABCEC initiated this program to offer graduate training to young construction ect under the supervision of senior en- professionals through our member companies. The pilot program focuses on final year gineer Reynaldo C. Gumawid Jr. students (2018/19 academic year) and fresh graduates of 2019, pursuing Construction and After two months, I was allocated Engi-neering related courses at Makerere and Kyambogo universities. Once successful, the a separate section under my supervi- program will be extended to other universities and tertiary institutions in Uganda. sion. This was the right opportunity to try out each and everything I had ever Are you a UNABCEC member? imagined in road construction, from Free yourself from the burden of advertising jobs for your company by utilising the potential candidates UNABCEC brings closer to you. Giving these early experiences to young how activities are scheduled to their professionals acts as an important stepping stone into their career. practical execution. This year’s list of shortlisted candidates is ready at the secretariat. Choose yours today and When it comes to earn and learn, make a difference. here is what you should know. At the Kindly support this program as we empower tomorrow’s contractors and build the future start you have this fear whether you for our industry. are worth what you are being paid for,

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 17 Business ethics The answer to sustainability

Eng. Ronald Mugabi > UNABCEC Board Director

usiness ethics refers to the con- conduct likely to result, directly or indi- temporary organisational stan- rectly, in the deception of others. dards, principles, sets of values People • Fairness: Not seeking to obtain a bene- B Social and norms that govern the actions and fit which arises directly or indirectly from Responsibility behaviour of an individual in the busi- the unfair treatment of others. ness organization. Acting ethically takes • Fair reward: Avoidance of acts likely to into account all the factors of doing busi- deprive another party of a fair reward ness. These include production, business for work. Sustainability processes, and the company’s behaviour • Reliability: Only provide services and with its customers and the communities Profit Planet skills within areas of competence. Economic Stewardship in which it operates. It is about doing the Value Environment • Integrity: Regard for the public inter- right thing in everything the company est. does. • Objectivity: Identify potential conflicts However, sustainability focuses on of interest and disclose this to the party Source: UNF – Coggin College: Centre for sus- meeting the needs of the present with- tainability Business Practices who would be adversely affected by it. out compromising the ability of the fu- Accountability: Provide appropriate in- ture generations to meet their needs. The the discretionary responsibility, it is best formation so effective action can be taken concept of sustainability is composed of described by the resources contributed by where necessary. three pillars: economic, environmental, corporations toward social, educational, An organisation’s ethical philosophy and social, also known informally as profits, recreational and/or cultural purposes. can affect the organisation in many ways planet, and people. Organisation’s ethics must be instilled including its reputation and productivity. Ethics are a key facet of a companies’ by its culture and leadership. Ethical fail- Positive ethical corporate culture improves Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ure in an organization can often be the the morale among the workers in an orga- which they must endeavour to fulfill. The result of inadequate leadership promotion nization, which could increase productiv- basis of modern definition of CSR is rooted of ethical practices, as individual’s ethics ity, employee retention and loyalty in Archie Carroll’s “Pyramid of Corporate become considered among the wider There are at least four elements that Social Responsibility.” In this pyramid a non-observance of professional ethics. aim to create a culture of good ethics and corporation has four types of responsibili- Personal ethics are a reflection of beliefs, integrity within an organization. These ele- ties. The first and most obvious is the eco- values, personality, among others. ments are: nomic responsibility to be profitable. The Therefore, business organizations can A written code of ethics and stan- second is the legal responsibility to obey gain competitive advantage by being 1.dards the laws set forth by society. The third, concerned with ethics which involves list Ethics training for executives, man- which is closely linked to the second, is the of rules, codes of practice, and restrictions 2.agers, and employees ethical responsibility. That is to do what on action that might harm others. The availability of ethical situational is right even when business is not com- Organisations should comply with the 3.advice (i.e. advice lines or offices) pelled to do so by law. The fourth is the following ethical principles: Confidential reporting systems philanthropic responsibility. Also called • Honesty: Acting honestly and avoiding 4. Business ethics ensure that a cer-

18 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG tain level of trust exists between clients and various forms of market participants blacklisted by the World Bank and others with business. In construction, ethics has Integrity: suspended by the Public Procurement and Business ethics developed both at a professional and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA). Regard for organizational level. Professionals such There are current laws or regulations that as engineers, surveyors among others the public encourage ethical and sustainable practices. have ethical codes to uphold as befits interest. For example, the National Environment Act their profession, as do organizations. 1995 of Uganda. Organizations must ensure Ethical behaviour is often measured by that they abide by these laws. This approach the degree of trustworthiness and in- to CSR ensures that organisations can tackle tegrity with which companies conduct the relevant sustainability challenges and in A lack of good business. particular satisfy all its relevant stakeholders. A business that embraces good ethics ethics and This is good for the environment, for the and integrity has a positive reputation integrity has a people that work with the organizations, for which draws customers, employees and negative effect the communities in which these organiza- suppliers. No one would wish to work on employee tions operate and also good for clients and or carry out any business transaction performance. therefore for business and profits. with a business that has a record of any Additionally, employees Acting responsibly also benefits the repu- form of unethical conduct. That is why who feel tation of organizations. This enhances the most potential clients do thorough due that acting ethically image of organizations as environmentally committed and responsible, giving good diligence and research about a company and following the public relations in a competitive world before engaging in any business transac- rules will not tion with them. market. get them ahead Business ethics and integrity help busi- Sustainable practices are often the best nesses to have a competitive advantage in the business business options for a company. As corpo- in the long run. Competition in the con- sometimes feel rate reputation becomes more important struction industry is too high and there- a lack of motivation, and more companies are adopting ethical fore one needs something that will help which often stances, taking responsibility for sustainabil- them to out compete others. A business leads to a ity is increasingly important both to ensure that is known to be ethically upright will decrease in reputation and also to satisfy the demands always will always have an upper hand performance. of a range of stakeholders. The benefits of from legitimate stakeholders. taking responsibility for sustainability in- Poor ethical decisions can affect a clude an enhanced reputation which, in company in a variety of ways. turn, leads to greater customer loyalty. The Fines and legal settlements benefits can also be seen in terms can destroy small businesses and Philanthropic of efficiency, with businesses using cripple large ones, such come as a Responsibilities fewer raw materials, less power and result of unethical conduct. For ex- more recycling. Both of these have ample failure to declare and pay tax Be a good corporate an impact on profits and shareholder may result in huge penalties and citizen. confidence. fines that can in turn bring down Organisations, therefore, need to a company that has been doing Ethical conduct their activities in relation to very well. Responsibilities economic progress, social responsi- A lack of good ethics and Integ- bility and environmental concerns rity has a negative effect on em- Be ethical in an integrated way in order to be ployee performance. Additionally, more sustainable and to meet the employees who feel that acting Legal expectations of stakeholders. ethically and following the rules Responsibilities In conclusion, Business ethics and will not get them ahead in the integrity is critical for business sus- business sometimes feel a lack of Obey the law tainability and it should be taken motivation, which often leads to a seriously by all organisations if they decrease in performance. are to survive over a period of time. Some construction companies Economic Cavanagh (1998) puts it clearly, “within Uganda have faced penalties for Responsibilities out a value system or ideology, it is significant breaches of ethics and Be profitable impossible to make consistent and compliance, on issues from brib- reasonable decisions” and without ery and collusion to exploit work- consistent decisions, it is impossible ers. Such companies have been Source: Carroll (1996) to have sustainability.

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 19 Uganda National Roads Authority Key highlights on unra physical performance in fy2018/19

The Uganda National Roads Authority Nkonge – Lumegere –Sembabule Road Bridge on Laropi-Palorinya-Obongi Road, (UNRA), which became operational in Upgrading (97km) awaiting clearance of in (Moyo DLG); July 2008 under the UNRA Act of 2006, Solicitor General; and ii) the Upgrading (iii) Ora 1, Ora 2, Awa and Olemika on is responsible for the management, of Muyembe – Nakapiripirit Road (92 km) Pakwach-Inde-Ocoko in West Nile Sub maintenance and development of the and selected link roads (25 km) awaiting Region; national road network, rendering advi- finalization of re-negotiation of the Loan (iv) Kagandi Bridge on Kagandi Natete- sory services to Government on policy by MFPED with the Islamic Development Busanza-Mpaka Road and Dungulwa on matters concerning roads, and assisting Bank. Kinyamaseke-Kisinga-Kyarumba-Kibirizi in the coordination and implementa- Road. tion of policy relating to roads. To ef- The following contracts were (v) Nariamabune Bridge, Awoo Bridge fectively deliver on its mandate, UNRA is awarded during the FY 2018/19 and Enyau Bridge. required to provide services in the most for the upgrade/rehabilitation of economical, efficient and effective man- roads; A number of contracts were ner; manage its affairs in a business-like (i) Civil Works for Upgrading of Ru- awarded for the rehabilitation of and cost-effective manner. kungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha/Kanungu Road ferries and construction of the ferry (78.5km) to Bituminous Standards to landing sites. These include; The Road Network facilitate tourism; • Design and build of Sigulu ferry per- The national road network has in- (ii) Civil Works for Upgrading of Masaka manent landing sites. creased by 310.8km, from 20,544 to - Bukakata Road (41km) from gravel to • The contract for rehabilitation of Old 20,856km in total length. This was veri- paved (bituminous) Standards to facili- Bukakata ferry. fied through a network inventory up- tate agriculture; • Contract for design and build of land- date undertaken in 2018. The changes (iii) Kampala Flyover Construction and ing sites for Bukungu Kagwara Kabera- are due to the newly constructed roads Road Upgrading Project Lot 1 and maido (BKK) ferry. and other roads that have been reclas- (iv) Civil Works for the construction of • Contract for construction of Kiyindi sified and gazetted as national roads by Busega-Mpigi Expressway (23.7km) to Buvuma ferry and construction of the MOWT for various reasons. 24% of decongest Kampala City; landing sites. the road network is paved to bituminous (v) Package 5 Critical Oil Roads: Design • Contract for the Design and Build of standards while the 76% is gravel. and Build of Masindi- Biiso Road Upgrad- Wanseko landing site. ing Project (54km) Kabale-Kiziranfumbi, Procurement Hohwa-Nyairongo-Kyarushesha-Butole Building Local Construction Ca- According to the Annual Procurement and Kaseeta-Lwera Road Upgrading Proj- pacity Plan (APP), the total estimated procure- ect (68km) to facilitate oil production; This FY, Contracts worth UGX ment commitment for the procurements (vi) Upgrading of selected town roads 736,953,042,566/= were awarded to lo- initiated FY 18/19 was UGX 4,859 Bn (20.2km) in Mbarara Municipality to cal or resident providers in accordance comprising of 299 procurements. By the paved (Bitumen) Standard with the guidelines for Reservation end of June 2019, the entity had signed (vii) Rehabilitation of Kampala-Mu- schemes for promoting local content. contracts worth UGX 2,632,139,449,313 kono road from junction Nakawa Spear This represents 28% by value of the con- representing a performance of 54% of Motors Junction to - Seeta (9km); tracts signed in the FY 2018/19, up from its Annual Procurement Plan (APP). The 24% in the previous year. During the less than expected performance is be- The following contracts have been year, five engagements have been con- cause of two civil works procurements signed for construction of bridges: ducted with UNABCEC and the Uganda with a total contract value of UGX 883.7 (i) Construction of Alla (Anzuu), Gazi Association of Consulting Engineers to billion, whose procurement process had (Rhino Camp), Aca (Rhino Camp); discuss ways of promoting and enhanc- been completed but were not signed by (ii) Design and Build of 2 Strategic ing local content. This included reserva- the end of the FY, awaiting approvals as Bridges-; Jure Bridge on Atiak-Adjumani- tion by threshold and sub-contracting as follows: i) Oil Roads Package 4: Lusalira – Moyo- Yumbe-Manibe Road & Amou shown in the Table below:

20 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Uganda National Roads Authority Key highlights on unra physical performance in fy2018/19

Breakdown of contracts signed in FY 18/19 (Bn UGX)

S/N Category Reservations For Local & National Providers Contract Signed Awarded To Contracts By Threshold By 30% Subcontracting Foreign Firms 1 Works 406.6 162.6 1,894 2,300.7 2 Consulting Services 24.65 - 162.6 187.6 3 Supplies & Ncons 118.3 - 769.1 119 4 Delegated 24.8 - - 24.8 Sub-Total 574.4 162.6 2,057.8 2,632.1 Total local firm with 30% subcontracting 574.4+162.6 Less (162.6) TOTAL AMOUNTS 737 1,895.1 2,632.1 % 28 72 54.17

CONDITION OF THE ROAD NET- International Roughness Index (IRI). unpaved roads against the NDPII target WORK Roughness is a good indicator of the of 85% and 70% respectively. The condition of the roads is a Key condition of the road because it affects The trends in the improvements in the Performance Indicator that is used in- the level of service in terms of the riding condition of the national roads are as ternationally for the roads system. It quality, speed and cost of vehicle op- shown in the figures below which de- refers to the structure, roughness and eration and maintenance. The national pict that paved roads in good condition unevenness of the road. The measure- roads network in fair to good condition have increased over the past 6 years. ment of the road condition is by the was 93% for paved roads and 75% for

Road Development – Upgrading to within the FY. Lumino (104km) projects will be sub- Paved Bituminous The paved roads refer to roads hav- stantially completed by the end of the UNRA is currently upgrading 27 road ing an all-weather bituminous surface. FY, adding 420.1Km to the paved road projects (new construction and upgrad- The stock is measured by computing network: This has resulted in an increase ing from paved bituminous standards) the number of completed kilometres of 2% to the paved road network, which covering a total distance of 1,920.7Km. of gravel roads upgraded to bitumen now stands at 4,971 Km (23.8 %) and At the beginning of the year, these standard or new roads constructed 1,029km that need to be constructed to were at various stages of construction to bitumen standard. Mukono-Kye- hit the NDP II target of 6,000km by 2021. or physical progress. The incremental % tume-Katosi/Nyenga(74km), Olwiyo- The table below shows the annual incre- increase in physical progress for all the Gulu(70.3km), Akisim-Moroto (50.3km), ment in the stock of national road paved projects was assessed to be equivalent Kanoni-Sembabule-Villa Maria(110km), network since FY 2008/09. to 349 as the total construction output Kashenyi-Mitooma(11.5) and Musiita-

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 21 S/N Name Location

1 Source of the Nile A cable stayed Bridge bridge on Kampa- la-Jinja Highway in Jinja 2 Nalakasi Nalakasi-Arimoi- Kaabong Road in Karamoja Sub- region, Kaabong 3 Lopei Moroto - Kotido Road in Kara- Kanoni-Ssembabule (110KM) moja Sub-region, Moroto-Kotido The lifecycle of road development entails a number of activities under- 4 Kaabong Kaabong-Kotido taken before actual construction commences, such as planning and putting Road in Karamoja together financing arrangements and procurement. This means that, the Sub-region, Kaa- substantially completed projects depend majorly on the speed of imple- bong mentation and that of their lead times for project preparation and procure- 5 Ruzairwe Ruzairwe Bridge ment. on Kibaale- Kyebando-Pacwa Road Reconstruction/Rehabilitation road, Kibaale This FY, rehabilitation of 372Km of the national roads continued on six (6) road projects. This FY, 155.8 Km-equiv. was achieved out of the targeted 237 Ferry Services Km-equiv, which represents a performance level of 66%. Rehabilitation of The Nine (09) ferries at Kiyindi, Mbula- Nansana-Busunju Section 2 (18km) was substantially concluded. muti, Masindi Port, Laropi, Obongi, Kyoga 1, Kyoga 2, Nakiwogo and Bisina were fully Major Structures operational and are delivered the sched- There are 661 major structures, comprising 424 bridges and 237 box cul- uled trips. verts on the national road network. This FY, Sigulu Ferry that will connect Bridge Development Namayingo district to the Islands of Lolwe In the Last 4 Years, UNRA has constructed a total of 21 Bridges including & Sigulu, is awaiting commissioning after it 5 for this FY 2018/19, which have been substantially completed as shown was fully assembled and trials conducted below: The vessel will provide safe means of transport to the communities of Namayingo, Lolwe and Sigulu Islands at no cost.

22 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Uganda National Roads Authority

MV Sigulu Ferry exterior and the interior (inset).

THE 2019/20 FY OUTLOOK tions. Bridges projects to be completed in vi) Design & Build of Lusalira-Nkonge- FY 2019/20 Roads and Bridges Development Lumegere-Ssembabule roads (97km) i) Nsongi 400km equivalent will be constructed (Package 4); ii) Mpondwe and a total of 251km (including 69km vii) Design & Build of Masindi-Biiso, iii) Multi Cell Box Culvert At Ajeleik of OPRC) will be rehabilitated while 5 Kabaale-Kizirafumbi & Hohwa-Nyai- iv) Multi Cell Box Culvert At Opot bridges will be completed. rongo-Kyaruseha Roads (106km) (Pack- v) Aji And Ora Bridges Upgrading Projects planned to com- age 5) mence in FY 2019/20 viii) Kampala-Flyover Lot1 (3.5km) Rehabilitation projects to be com- i) Upgrading of Muyembe-Nakapiripirit ix) Mbarara town Roads (20km) pleted in FY 2019/20 (131.5km) road (92km) i) Nyega-Njeru (10km) ii) Upgrading of Rwenkunye-Apac- Upgrading projects to be completed ii) Kyamate town (2.5km roads) Acholibur (191km) in FY 2019/20 (373km and added to iii) Fort Portal- Kyenjojo (50Km) iii) Construction of Busega-Mpigi the paved Road stock) iv) Rehabilitation of Hima -Katunguru (32km) Expressway i) Soroti-Katakwi-Aksim 100km road (60km) iv) Design and Build of Najjanankumbi- ii) Bulima-Kabwoya 66km v) Nakawa-Seeta (9km) Busabala with Munyonyo Spur Inter- iii) Kyenjonjo- Kabwoya 100km change and Service Roads (11Km) iv) Mubende-Kakumiro-Kagadi Allen Kagina v) Design and Build of Kira-Matugga 107km Executive Director. (22Km) and Improvement of 5No. Junc-

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 23 Genuine players in construction on same footing

Francis Karuhanga > UNABCEC President

licited from a recommended list of ational, resident and inter- for minimum 7 years) and qualifica- potential sub-contractors in the ten- national genuine players in tion requirements of annual turn- der documents, and/or nominated Uganda’s construction in- over and similar works previously N executed ought to be half of the subcontractors - nominated by the dustry all agree that we must have client or client’s agent to undertake contractor development models expected value of works. specified aspects of the main con- and programmes that are holistic b. To entrench sub-contracting up tract. and integrative in approach. We ac- to 30% of actual works on all de- c. Initiate a10-year strategic pro- knowledge that globalisation in the velopment projects. To ensure that gramme with total of 1,000km as construction industries of developing “foreign service providers” ought to Affirmative Road Development countries is real, unstoppable and has partner with “domestic service pro- Pilot Projects to deliberate train- the potential to destroy non-compet- viders” through “sub-contracting, or ing to prime national providers itive national contractors. Developing joint-venture” on all infrastructure for execution of real paved works countries, like Uganda, must meet projects whose values are above thus reduce the unit cost of paved the challenges of globalisation by national reservation threshold. The roads. This would address the criti- strengthening the competitiveness of providers should be selected sub- cal need for domestic paved roads Small and Medium sized-Enterprises contractors —sub-contractors so- construction providers, and impact (SMEs) in particular. to stimulate further investment in At our bi-annual stakeholders en- equipment and human resource gagement forum held on July 4, 2019 assets for domestic contractors. Ev- at Kingdom Kampala, we re-affirmed ery year you would engage 8 firms the interventions that we need for Any construction each contracted for 5km in Level I, our industry. These are: firm that is not then graduated to 10km in level II a. To entrench the National Reserva- assured of and finally 20km in Level III. Promo- tion scheme with exclusive thresholds tion from Level I to III is based upon in procurement of works: UGX 25Bil- business for good performance that include lion for all roads and bridge works years cannot equipment owned and graduates and UGX 10Billion for all other works sustain itself and youth trained and employed. be given to companies 100% Owned because it cannot d. To entrench Mandatory place- by Citizens of Uganda (National pro- retain its skilled ment of graduate interns. This is viders) or East Africa (provided similar staff, nor pay to transfer skills to Ugandan youth benefit is accorded to Uganda citi- its day–to-day by all construction companies op- zen), UGX 25-50 billion for all road and costs including erating in Uganda. Award training bridge works and UGX 10-20Billion for repayment of points for each graduate trained and all other civil works be given to both loans secured for registered in his professional to the National and Resident providers (Resi- initial investment company as a preference scheme dent provider shall be Incorporated during evaluation of bids. in Uganda and operating with profit which is very expensive. e. Facilitate the acquisition of the

24 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Current and former Board Directors with other special guests at the mid year stakeholders engagement forum on July 4, 2019 at Kingdom Kampala. revolving equipment lease fund of centre for training of plant operators costs, including repayment of loans secured Shs104Billion onto Uganda Develop- and mechanics. for initial investment which is very expen- ment Bank that offers good financ- Any construction firm that is not sive. Construction Companies can only sur- ing terms not exceeding 5% pa. The assured of business for years cannot vive when they have work. In order to build cost of construction equipment is sustain itself because it cannot retain sustainable capacity in the construction very high for domestic contractors in its skilled staff, nor pay its day–to-day sector and build cooperation between lo- Uganda, which has continuously cal and the international contractors, which pushed the local construction in turn will reduce repatriation of resources firms out of business. meant for transforming the country, there f. To classify and register all works is need for Government of Uganda to sup- contractors in Uganda and adapt port the industry. This shall contribute to an enterprise development pro- sustainable employment in the country by gram where you incubate and ploughing back the profits into the sector promote small and medium lo- as opposed to all being repatriated by in- cal contractors from grade 1 to ternational contractors. 7, based upon performance. This We all must appreciate that there will further promotes transpar- be no other conducive environment than ency and fair competition now when the sector is highly prioritised by in procurement of works, government and fairly facilitated. goods and services in the construction industry. Currently, there is no specific registration of construction contractors in Uganda. Gen Katumba Wamala, Minister g. To Establish a of State for Works adressing genuine contractors at the mid specialised training year stakeholders engagement forum.

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 25 unabcec sacco promises immense benefits

Can Eng Jonathan G. Mwedde

he vision of UNABCEC SACCO is ventures and opportunities for are not limited to: to “Provide effective financial so- members. 1. High returns on savings Tlutions to members by encourag- 5. Support and complement vari- 2. Instant access to low-interest ing high quality, prompt and affordable ous UNABCEC Advocacy and loans credit to members”. policy reform activities 3. Access to individual or com- The mission is “To be the leading 6. Encourage the spirit and prac- pany loans with minimal/ or contractors’ financial institution in mo- tice of co-operative movement no collateral security require- bilizing saving and providing dedicated in the construction Industry ments. financial products and services to its and the country as a whole. 4. Advantage to block/Joint members.” venture investments The theme: “save together and grow CASE FOR UNABCEC SACCO 5. Immediate access to society’s together”. The potential for effective and de- welfare resources and facili- The 23rd UNABCEC AGM in 2016 en- pendable construction sector in Uganda ties dorsed the proposal by the Directors to lies in the hands of the local construc- form a Savings and Credit Cooperative tion players in this country: such as con- APPEAL Society to provide a platform from which tractors, manufactures, suppliers and I wish to urge all contractors, manu- UNABCEC members can pool their finan- transporters, among others who must factures, material suppliers of whatever cial resources together, through savings, work together. size and capacity to join this movement to increase their earnings/investments Contractors fraternity, came out to join (SACCO) destined to solve various finan- so as to improve on their capacity. hands through UNABCEC as a non-profit cial constraints facing the contraction Specifically, the objectives of the member-driven organisation. It was industry today. SACCO are to: found necessary, however, that it would By saving together, we shall surely 1. Encourage regular savings be prudent for the association to create grow together and eliminate the finan- 2. Build up a guarantee fund to a “trading arm” to support its member- cial infancy that bedevils most local con- support members require- ship to harness the numerous benefits it tractors in this country. ments will offer. The target is that one day, the 3. Provide a negotiation platform UNABCEC Cooperative society will grow C a n E n g J o n a t h a n G . M w e d d e to a strong and multi- purpose financial for favourable lending terms by is the chairman, UNABCEC SACCO members. institution in the country. [email protected] 4. Seek and provide investment UNABCEC SACCO benefits include but

The Theme; “Save together and grow together”

26 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 27 Question and Answer session at the bidders’ awareness conference. E-procurement A solution to wastage and fraud in procument 1.0 Background include: Public procurement offers the larg- • Procurement delays that have Real-time Strategic Guided est business opportunities in Uganda. Universal Shopping Buying a significant impact on budget Uganda spends approximately 65% absorption by the ministries, de- of the government budget through partments and agencies. public procurement. However, Organi- • Procuring outside the procure- sation for Economic Cooperation and ment plan hence over commit- Development (OECD) (2007) recogn- ting government and creating ised that “public procurement is the an imbalance between budget Seamless Supplier government activity most vulnerable Management and expenditure. to waste, fraud and corruption due to • Ineffective and inefficiencies in

its complexity, the size of the financial Instant Business contract management Intelligence Easy Approval & flows it generates and the close in- Payments • Low levels of compliance with teraction between the public and the procurement laws and regula- private sectors”. tions. Despite some achievements Advanced Actionable • Poor procurement records man- Analytics through the different reforms in agement due to the poor stor- public procurement, Government of The system will be piloted in 10 entities age of documents Uganda still has challenges with value for a period of one year and thereafter • Centralised reference point for for money and delivering quality ser- Suspension of providers due to rolled out to the rest of the procuring and vice due to inefficiencies in the Pro- fraudulent practices, misrepre- curement Processes. These challenges disposing entities. sentation and breach of con-

28 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG tractual obligation Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Finance, • low bidder participation Planning and Economic Development, Min- istry of Water and Environment, Mpigi Dis- 2.0 Business case trict Local Government, Jinja District Local The Government of Uganda seeks to Government. create value addition to public procure- The e-procurement system has a vast ment through: number of stakeholders whose buy in is 1. Improved transparency of the public important in order to ensure system uptake procurement process and utilisation hence the awareness meet- 2. Improved governance and account- ings that are being held. These include; Po- ability for public funds litical leaders (H.E the President, Cabinet 3. Improved budget absorption of gov- members, Members of Parliament), Project ernment and development partner Sponsor Institutions (PPDA, NITA-U, MoF- funds PED), Professional Associations e.g. IPPU, 4. Reduced bidding costs UNABCEC,ULS,CPA, UIPE, Development 5. Timely Payments for goods, services partners e.g. World Bank, FINMAP, Procuring and works Miss Florence Nakyeyune: and Disposing Entities (372 in number),the 6. Timely and equal accessibility to ten- e-Government Procurement Project Manager. Bidding community, the Civil Society Or- der information ganisations (CSO’s), pinion formers/leaders 7. Obtaining real time feedback on ten- in the business community e.g. PSFU, UMA, dering process Media and the General Public. 8. Promote bidder participation and competitiveness in public procure- Project Status ment 372 A number of project activities have been 9. Improved public procurement ef- finalized and “go live” is around the corner. ficiency Below is a brief on the project status. 10. Centralised record keeping enabling improved decision-making The e-procurement system has a vast number SN Status Remark In abid to achieve the above key per- of stakeholders whose buy in is important in 1 Readiness Assess- Completed formance indicators within the public ment procurement process, government de- order to ensure system uptake and utilization 2 Business process Completed cided to go “e-procurement”. The new Reengineering e-government procurement system is a hence the awareness 3 System requirements Completed web-based system that covers the entire meetings that are being held. These include; Po- specification and procurement life cycle, all procurement design modalities and keeps a record and audit litical leaders (the Presi- 4 Data Centre (Tier III Completed trail of all procurement activities. dent, Cabinet members, ISO 27001 Certified) Inorder to streamline the implementa- Members of Parliament), tion of the electronic government sys- Project Sponsor Institu- 5 Internet Connectivity Completed tem, a project governance structure was tions (PPDA, NITA-U, –pilot sites established that constitutes the steering MoFPED), Professional 6 System development Completed committee (highest decision-making Associations e.g. IPPU, and customisation body, a project management team as UNABCEC,ULS,CPA, 7 User Acceptance Completed well as a project implementation team. UIPE, Development Testing ( PDE’s and The implementation is managed by three partners e.g. World Bidders) entities namely the Public Procurement Bank, FINMAP, Procur- 8 Awareness Cam- On going and Disposal of Public Assets Authority ing and Disposing Enti- paigns ties (372 in number),the (PPDA) (the regulator), National Informa- 9 End User Training July 2019 tion Technology Authority (in-charge of Bidding community, the 10 Go –Live August 2019 infrastructure) as well as the Ministry of Civil Society Organisa- Finance, Planning and Economic Devel- tions (CSO’s),Opinion 11 Post Implementa- October 2019 opment (the system implementer). formers/leaders in the tion Assessment and feedback The system will be piloted in 10 enti- business community e.g. ties for a period of one year and thereaf- PSFU, UMA, Media and 12 Monitor and Evaluate August 2019 ter rolled out to the rest of the procuring the General Public. system performance and disposing entities. The piloting enti- 13 Issue Vendor Certifi- February 2019 ties include PPDA, National Information cate of Operational Technology Authority, Kampala Capital Acceptance City Authority, Uganda National Roads Authority, National Social Security Fund,

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 29 Government of Uganda’s request to • Processor - dual core @ 2.4 GHz (i5 or 4. Improve your processes including members of UNABCEC i7 Intel processor or equivalent AMD) management processes (decision- UNABCEC is made up of a big number • RAM - 8 GB making) for procurement efficiency. of government providers. It is, therefore, • Graphics Card - any with DisplayPort/ 5. Align your business processes to imperative that all the members are on HDMI or DVI support - desktop only. e-GP functionality. board through the various awareness • Hard Drive - 320 GB 5400 RPM hard 6. Feedback to Government on your meetings that will be held as well as drive expectations and experience with system trainings for contractors and en- • Wireless (for laptops) - 802.11g/n the system. gineers that will be channeled through (WPA2 support required) 7. Comply with Government statutory UNABCEC. Therefore government of • Monitor - 15” LCD requirement. Uganda requests all UNABCEC members • Operating System - Windows 10 that they; Contact us 1. Embrace technology and in particu- Ensure people readiness:- We Value Your Feedback please reach lar e-GP 1. Up-skill your staff with ICT skills out to us at:- 2. Ensure technology readiness :- (ICDL) Tel:- 256 414 311 100 • Internet Bandwidth 2Mbps 2. Up-skill your staff with knowledge of Email: [email protected] • LAN access the procurement processes Twitter: @eGPUganda • Computers capable of working with 3. Develop the technical skills for bid Facebook :E-Government Procurement new system ( preparation and report writing Uganda

Electronic Government Procurement Project Manager Florence Nakyeyune sensitizing Application Implementation Team responsible for development of the system. the bidding community on the system functionality.

Electronic Government Procurement System Sup- port Team.

30 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC) is fully engaged with the au- IS UGANDA’S PUBLIC thorities to resolve these matters and we are looking forward to a healthy supply of PROCUREMENT work in the future. UNABCEC is also promoting a scheme with the Uganda National Roads Author- SYSTEM BROKEN? ity (UNRA) to support contractors seeking training and experience in bitumen pave- A construction perspective ment works. This scheme will address the issue of capacity and ensure that oppor- By UNABCEC Staff Writer Therefore, we need to break away from tunities in this field are not lost for lack of the strict procurement theory to make qualification. Making case for a public procure- provision for economic development. Simply put, governments are willing to ment system However, the break must not be very big have their citizens pay more – for Uganda, Globally, public procurement is man- or permanent that objectives of competi- it seems up to 15% more – for the goods dated to meet any government’s obligation are lost. or services, as a price to support local ser- tions to provide best value to its taxpayers vice providers. The experiences outlined and citizens by ensuring honesty, fairness What breaks do we have? above show us that this is not always easy and competitiveness. The most common form of break found to implement but we must persevere. We In both developed and developing in pure procurement strategy is “margin must not lose this opportunity. We con- countries, governments are obliged to of preference”, especially prevalent when tractors must justify our case, which Ugan- draw a line between protectionism and multi-lateral lenders are making agree- dan taxpayers have to pay for. Our task is competition. Under protectionism, they ments with national governments to to persuade policy makers of the necessity have to provide best value for their tax- promote local industry. Small percent- and level of support required, which can payers by safeguarding local industries ages ranging up to 15% (I haven’t seen be practically provided, implemented and against foreign competition. For instance, higher) are added to evaluated prices of checked for compliance. the United States of America recently tried foreign competitors, allowing preference to claw back automobile production from to local bidders who are higher than the OTHERWISE, … factories in Mexico and Canada to protect foreigners but within the margin. Over the In Uganda, government provides best jobs for American workers. years, foreign providers have been finding value to its taxpayers and citizens through Protectionism is particularly important ways through this obstacle (e.g. ABC … the Public Procurement and Disposal of in developing economies where nascent XYZ (Uganda) Limited with a well-placed Public Assets Authority (PPDA). However, industries are struggling to provide qual- VIP as principal shareholder). I suspect that the question is; Does public procurement ity, affordable products amid fluctuating the margin of preference policy has had under PPDA function honestly, fairly and exchange rates, credit-restricted financial some effect but not as much as was ex- competitively? markets, and competition from well-es- pected. I have not seen studies as to the The PPDA regulates construction pro- tablished foreign providers. This applies to effectiveness or otherwise of this policy at curement through published regulations Uganda and is more pronounced in the any local, regional or global scale. and standard bidding documents. These construction industry, which is a major More recently in Uganda (March 2017), regulations are based on international employer and taxpayer. government introduced guidelines on res- norms and generally provide a framework ervation schemes to promote local con- for effective procurement. PPDA has been Breaking the procurement norm tent in public procurement. For us in con- at the forefront of investigating its own ef- For Uganda to support its national in- struction, this meant road projects under fectiveness (Procurement Integrity Surveys dustries, government must adopt an ele- UGX45 billion and other public (building as of 2009 and 2015) and publishing annual ment of protectionism. well as engineering) works under UGX10 audit reports. Non-compliances have been Inevitably, this means limiting competi- billion were limited to local contractors, found by PPDA. tiveness though procurement objectives and for projects in excess of these values, Despite some challenges, PPDA has of honesty and fairness. at least 30% of the works were to be re- done what government asked; set up a Although limited competition in pro- served to local providers. Government public procurement, which can function curement usually means higher prices qualified the reservation by limiting any honestly, fairly and competitively. The and less value for money, it is necessary, increase over the “assessed market price” weakness lies in other areas where PPDA bearing in mind the need to develop na- to 15% (though exactly how this would be regulations are implemented. And it is tional industries with emphasis on value computed is not clear). Sadly, some pow- here – policing of the implementation of for money for the public. In the first place, erful lobbies were brought to bear, and lo- the regulations – that the role of PPDA we do not want all our roads to be built cal providers, “whose majority ownership must be expanded. by foreign contractors while Uganda com- is held by Ugandan citizens”, were quickly panies are only sub-contracted to plant replaced by resident providers. There are LEST WE FORGET grass. On the other hand, we cannot limit also obscurities about modalities, not least Government does not control all con- all our roads to local contractors as they the meaning of “30% of the works”. How- struction procurement; there is a growing currently do not have the capacity. ever, the Uganda National Association of private sector demand for construction

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 31 services. True, this is limited more to the Cash flow is the life-blood of the con- tended valuation times are not. Accord- building side of our industry and less to struction industry However, in Uganda, ing to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the civil engineering side. Contractors can banking controls on access to credit mean inflation in the construction industry is at choose to balance their portfolio to lessen that all players in the industry supply chain around 6% per annum or 0.5% per month. any perceived problems with public pro- restrict credit. When clients impose restric- This means an average contract of UGX10 curement. tions and delays in payments, the industry billion is losing UGX50 million per month Nonetheless, roads and bridges – infra- is squeezed from both sides, and contrac- of delay in award. structure generally – remain as principal tors are unable to perform to their own Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) drivers of economic development, and capacity. The principal objective of any sample bidding documentation requires government will remain the principal measures of support must be to … that “normally the validity period should customer for such developments. It is the not exceed 120 days”. This is for large duty of government to support its local Improving the industry’s cash flow. multi-lateral projects; smaller local projects construction industry to provide these There are short-term and medium term should be dealt with more quickly. Dura- services rather than foreign providers. It measures that can be undertaken by enti- tion of bid validity periods is set by entities must be good for the nation to have a vi- ties and PPDA to support the local con- as PPDA SI No. 8 2015, Regulation 52. Enti- brant and competitive local construction struction industry, chiefly by improving ties could assist local providers with quick industry. cash flow. These are: evaluations, say within 90 calendar days The determination of the optimal way i. Removal of penalties. Entities can im- without any delays, if possible. Entities fre- forward, the improvement of the local mediately remove penalties, meaning quently define days as ‘working days’ thus provider reservation scheme, the acquisi- conditions set by entities which are more further extending the long validity period. tion of further skills by local providers, and onerous than those required by MDBs or Entities should follow best practice and fighting corruption are principal keys to PPDA. In fact, these conditions need to be define days as calendar days. improvement of the fortunes of the local made less demanding to strengthen lo- Despite long provisions, evaluation pe- construction industry. Since they involve cal providers’ cash flow or other operating riods are frequently extended. MDB nor- government policy, these issues will take conditions; mally provides that any such extensions time to be ironed out. However, the in- ii. Selection of the most favourable op- to the bid validity period be compensated dustry needs support now. What can be tions. Entities can immediately review situ- (usually with a simple formula) to increase done with short term interventions to im- ations where PPDA regulations provide a the eventual contract sum. Sometimes prove the lot for UNABCEC members and range of options such as level of retention. such extensions may be unavoidable, but indeed all players in Uganda’s construction Entities tend to set levels at the disadvan- providers are not at fault and should not sector? tageous end of a range of options (and be penalised by any such delays. If MDB sometimes beyond). These can be imme- guidelines can compensate foreign con- Short-term improvements diately changed to the end most advanta- tractors, local conditions should similarly We refer to operating conditions within geous to local providers’ cash flow; support local providers – the addition of the existing market. These do not require iii. Amendments to PPDA regulations. This 0.5% per month as described above would lofty economic strategies but rather com- can be addressed in the medium term to be fair. mon-sense steps. The operating condi- improve support to local providers where 3. It has become common for entities to tions are not so much related to restricting practicable without prejudice to Govern- split advance payments into half and set foreign opposition as foreign contractors ment. preconditions for the respective releases. often work under Multilateral Develop- Such provisions are unnecessary since ment Bank contract guidelines, which Entities to remove penalties the entities are secured by the advance frequently provide conditions better than 1. International practice requires con- payment guarantee and have no need those for local contractors. UNABCEC and tracts to be fair and balanced if national for further security. Such precautions are government need to partner more closely construction industries are to flourish. A purely a burden to providers and the op- and rather improve operating conditions, pre-requisite of fairness is appointment of posite of the often-claimed “support for which will remove differential conditions independent consultants and a dispute local contractors”. inimical to local contractors, remove dis- board so that the prescribed process 4. Regarding interim payments; condi- advantages and support our fledgling for dispute settlement can be followed. tions of process for IPCs in local contracts industry. Local conditions should not be Instead, entities manage projects them- need to be improved to be at least equal disadvantageous to local providers but selves with consequent penalising of to MDB conditions for foreign operators; must be more advantageous than condi- providers by un-balanced settlement of a. PPDA regulations should require enti- tions for foreign providers. disputes such as “extension of time but ties to employ independent consultant with no costs”. Entities should prepare for engineers in most projects. In this context, government means all best practice contract management by b. Engineers should have a time limit from ministries and its agencies such as UNRA, appointing experts. application for payment to preparing the PPDA and UBOS, which collectively regu- interim certificate for payment. late the operating environment for UNAB- 2. Bid validity periods must be reduced as c. Employers should have an improved CEC members. long periods eat into contractors’ allow- time limit for payment. ances on fixed price contracts. Evaluation d. Each of these limits should not be less What can we do? times are allowed in the pricing but ex- than MDB conditions for foreign contrac-

32 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG tors; 28 calendar days. 6. In the fluctuation formula for the fixed bidding could be extended to open do- e. Neither engineers nor employers element, entities frequently require 20% mestic bidding, at least for contracts not should delay matters by returning appli- and even up to 35% as fixed price with exceeding UGX45 billion in value to sup- cations for correction; corrections can be no fluctuation. In PPDA SI 2014 No. 14 port local providers. made by the engineer or, if identified by Schedule 2, the fixed element is clearly de- c. Section 3 provides that performance the employer, should be corrected by the scribed as an element representing con- securities shall be determined by the enti- engineer in the subsequent certificate. tractors’ profits and overheads included ties and shall be between 5% and 10% of f. Best practice adjudication procedures in the price, and recommend a range of the contract value. Entities always select should be applied to resolve any disputes 5% to 15%. Entities should be obliged to 10% yet if they intended to support lo- in real time to provide optimum cash flow require a portion within this range. The cal providers, they could, within the PPDA certainty to entities as well as providers. lower the range, the more assistance to Guidelines, select 5%. 5. PPDA should make it clearer to gov- the local providers, but the figure should d. On advance payments – there are three ernment entities that a fluctuating price never exceed 15%. For example, JICA stan- issues: contract means the bidders make no pro- dard bidding documents require 10% (0.1 • One of the alternative conditions for vision for future price inflation. This is the out of 1.00), and foreign conditions should effecting the contract provided in SI intent of PPDA SI 2014 No. 14 Regulation never exceed local ones if local providers 14 Regulation 13 is the receipt by the 40. The calculation of fluctuations is to be are to be supported. provider of an advance payment. It is applied throughout the contract period, also a standard condition of the FIDIC not just the period in excess of 18 months. Entities select supportive options MDB contract. Yet entities usually ex- If the first 18 months is at the risk of the a. PPDA Guideline 3/2014, Section 1 pro- ercise the option not to use this pro- providers even in fluctuation contracts, vides for a bid security of 1% to 2% of the vision. On the contrary, they penalise the successive periods are not, and the estimated bid value. For open domestic providers with long payment periods base date should be set at the contract bidding, entities should have a policy of – and in working days not calendar base date and not 18 months after the using 1% to minimise bid security costs, days (without lessening expectations date. Entities seem bent on heavily reduc- as support to local providers. for provider mobilisation). ing inflation costs due to providers. This b. As an alternative, the provisions of Sec- • Entities frequently have the further must be reversed if they genuinely want tion 2 (for bid securing declarations rather penalty of providing no interest on to support local contractors. than bid security) for restricted domestic late payment of the advance, meaning

adress Lweza - Entebbe Road (Before Kajjansi Town Opposite Lweza Clays Factory) P.O.Box 9576 Kampala Uganda, East Africa. contacts Mob: 0717051455, 0772 455924 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] Website:www. thetamales.com

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 33 there is no urgent necessity for them to entities at zero or 1% or 3%. tors will have to negotiate for additional meet the payment period obligation. • The current Central Bank Rate (CBR) is overdrafts or loans, pay fees and deposit • SI 14 Regulation 44(3) allows advance 10% and current BOU rediscount rate assets to secure additional cash funds. payments not exceeding 30% yet en- is 14%. • To avoid further penalising local provid- tities generally limit the amount to • Commercial banks today have a base ers, entities need to set the margin at 10-15%. To support local providers’ cash lending rate of about 20.5%. Regular the actual commercial level so that at flow, entities should always allow the customers may get discounted rates of least interest costs are fully recovered. maximum advance permitted by PPDA. around 18% depending on money flows • Currently, the margin needs to be at • To ensure support to local providers, through the account. least 4% above Bank of Uganda redis- entities should allow 30% advance pay- • The purpose of the contract provision count rate or 8% above CBR. ment, receipt of the advance should be for interest on late payments is to com- f. Retention at the option of entities is fre- a condition of contract commencement pensate providers, who must borrow quently set at 10% with a maximum of 10% and delayed advance payment should commercially to cover delays in entity pay- (defects liability 5%). Entities seem to forget be compensated with interest as any ment. Any such borrowing is at market that they already hold performance guar- other late payment. rates, which vary from account to account. antees. Entities should consider an interna- e. The margin for interest to be allowed over Even this standard condition does not fully tional standard 10% max 5% (defects liability the Bank of Uganda rates is usually set by compensate for late payment, as contrac- 2.5%) or can consider even more supportive rates to assist local providers, for instance, retention 6%, maximum 3% (defects liability 1.5%).

Suggested PPDA amendments 1) PPDA could raise the general issue that like MDB and FIDIC contracts, all days are calendar days, and multiples are in multiples of 7. 2) PPDA should consider the integration of Regulations 39 and 40 so that the limit of 18 months period of fixed price is lowered to say 12 months. 3) PPDA regulations need to stipulate that dispute boards/adjudicators are appointed within 28 days of date of commencement, are kept aware of progress, and make speedy decisions on claims. Current MDB/FIDIC provisions allow 84 days; for local contracts, this could be shorter. 4) PPDA regulations need to clearly identify procedures for delays, damages and extended costs, or require that standard contract procedures for such are followed by entities. This will provide the framework for professional and transparent actions by entities and consultants for both local and foreign contractors (for instance, to avoid action of awarding time but no money or other decisions penalising local providers). 5) On minimum interim payment, PPDA should determine a reasonable percentage such as 1%, which even with the smallest contract should cover. This is to avoid having the figure set too high, thus preventing regular interim payments. 6) Entities sometimes limit amounts of interim payments as an effort to ‘whip up’ the contractor, resulting in uneven payments and poor cash flow. This tendency should be avoided and providers should receive regular payment for the work they have properly done.

34 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG 7) SI 14 Regulation 50 does not 10% runs the other way, leaving the provider to strike a balance between competition and provide for compensation for late to carry the risk. It should be compensated protection. There are many gaps but negotia- payment – PPDA regulation is re- in full. tion with government entities and particularly quired. 12) PPDA should set up a hotline or an in- Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic 8) In respect of performance vestigation unit so that entities which fail to Development should fix that. bonds and retentions, PPDA comply with the PPDA Regulations can be The main problem is financial overprotec- should consider two actions to reported. PPDA, especially at tender stage, tion of government position by highly am- support the local industry with should be empowered to sanction non-per- bitious entities whose choices often give improved cash flow: forming entities in this respect. PPDA should national providers very poor cash flows and a. Entities should allow perfor- be provided with additional resources to set contract conditions when compared to formance securities from insurance up and maintain such an investigation unit. eign providers. companies; applicable to advance Explanation and negotiation should elimi- payment bonds as well as perfor- Conclusion nate those problems. Therefore, we don’t mance bonds; Therefore, we want Uganda’s procurement consider Uganda’s public procurement system b. Entities should lower the figure system to be improved to allow more par- broken but needs improvement and increased for retention, as proposed above. ticipation by national providers. This will be engagement with genuine stakeholders in the 9) PPDA should clearly stipulate possible as government changes its policies relevant sectors. what a fluctuating price contract means. The bidders make no provision for future price inflation and the calculation of fluctuations is to be applied throughout the contract period, not just the period in excess of the agreed limit; 10) Entities should be prevented by PPDA from transferring employer’s risks onto contractors during defects liabilities periods. After completion, the works are returned to the entity, and all liabilities of that ownership are properly the entities and not the provider. 11) Regarding variation of price, PPDA should remove the contra- dictions of a 2% threshold and a 10% cap on the total adjustment. For a contract over 18 months, it would likely have a value, say of UGX 10 billion. If fluctuation is 1.8%, that means UGX 180 million – if inflation is employer’s risk, why should a local provider lose that cash? At the other end, say a 48-month project valued at PPDA local maximum of UGX 45 billion, at current UBOS rates we can expect a variation in price of around UGX5.4 billion – should the provider lose UGX900 million on account of this Regula- tion? Variation of price is a risk that is accepted as government is more economical to accept than pay the additional price of the provider pricing that risk. Whenever inflation becomes exceptionally high, that is the time when fluctuations clause is needed – a cap of

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 35 PUTTING PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS

By JamesOne J. Olonya

s a leader, how often have you create an impact. That is an emotive way sought out your subordinates of terming “Putting People at the Heart 2. Essential Perspective: and proposed or inquired of of the Business” On the other hand, when the essence A of purpose, values, competence and in- the following: People-centred Leaders care about 1. How is the family doing? both people and results; they know that vestment is born from a heart of service 2. How are you finding it here? the only way to get results is through and focuses on the good of people, the 3. What do you plan on doing to their people. So how does this thinking result is irresistibly contagious. Besides, improve yourself in the next five play out in organisations today? Let us whatever we do technologically, reli- years? look at some common mistakes: giously, socially, or otherwise, people 4. Which areas do think we should put remains central. This could be; more effort or make changes? 1. Bad motives: a) Why the International Standard ISO 5. What is your career aspiration and • More often, general organisational 27500:2016 focuses on human-centred how can we support it? executives predominantly think that organisation - rationale and general Ordinarily, this is a tall order for many the only reason to be in business is to principles by prescribing: leaders as it comes with numerous make as much money and become as • values and beliefs that make an orga- bombshells of weight personality types, dominant as possible. nization human-centred; economic undertones and relational • When as a business leader, you work • significant business benefits that can ramifications, among others. Yet, I trust with that point of view, customers be achieved; and that because you started off with the would be projected as “Central” and • explains the risks for the organisation dream of building a model organisa- the “Empress,” since they use your of not being human-centred. tion, and with a leadership style from products and/or services. b) It provides recommendations for the which many would draw inspiration, and • That is also the birth place of the cli- policies that executives and board mem- because you carefully selected your de- ché: “the Customer is the King/Queen”. bers need to implement to achieve this. partmental managers and their subordi- But you and I know that is a well- c) It sets out high-level human-centred nates, now you may wish to explore the crafted pseudo courtesy, not normally principles for executive board members value of your management philosophy. reflecting the true intent. The goal is to endorse in order to optimise perfor- In this article, I attempt to take you in keeping the customer happy so that mance, minimise risks to organisations that direction, and rationally. they keep using your product. By that, and individuals, maximise well-being in ABSTRACT: the organisation maintains influence their organisations and enhance their Somewhere within the subconscious on the customer. relationships with the customers. mind of the most effective executives; In such cases, the people within the Perhaps, Ken Blanchard put it better; whether in civic governance or private organisation are easily expendable as “People-centred leadership, with its fo- corporations, professionals are not wear parts and replaceable with better cus on both people and results, is ser- hired to lecture or dictate what should performers. Therefore, such organisa- vant leadership in action.” be done, but to get what needs to be tion downsizes at will, rank-orders them Super corporate leaders realise that done and to be done commendably. As or gets rid of the bottom 10 percent all their top-most customers are their peo- a result, they select worthy and smart together; because they are perceived as ple. They reckon that if they take care individuals with whom to work with to tools. of their members, train and empower

36 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG them, such members become spirited about as PIMS. what they do. In turn, they will take the initia- • They relied on a computer model that anal- tive to reach out and take care of their second ysed the impact of “37 factors on a busi- most important customer; the people who ness’s profit potential”. buy and/or use the products/services of the • It became one of the first companies to organisation. This means they become the adopt the Boston Consulting Group’s most inspired fans and raving promoters of “Growth/Share Matrix”. the organisation. Their task: Such fulfilled customers will keep coming • To allocate strategic roles to a company’s back as they tell their friends and by that, they businesses based on their cash-flow char- will have become part of the sales force. The acteristics. ramifications are obvious; there is revenue • To adopt the latest management system, generation, and the organisation becomes fi- Super Corpo- and become an early convert to the “Nine- nancially sound, which takes care of their third rate Leaders … Block Grid”, which allowed companies to most important customer; the investors. reckon that, if match strategies to each of their businesses they take care of BUSINESS CASESTUDY FOR according to their competitive strengths MANAGEMENT: their Members, and the attractiveness of their particular In recent decades, CEOs have time and again train them, and industry environments. been bombarded with the buzzword phrase empower them; • To do back planning and control reports, of “quality management systems”. True, the such Members supported by staff analysis. Norton’s cor- boom years have been recorded both in the become spirited porate executives used these and similar industrial and service sectors due to structural, about what they tools to screen acquisitions while pushing policies adjustments and development of stan- existing businesses to improve profits con- do” stantly. dard operating procedures (SOPs) in organisa- Ken Blanchard tions. Consequently, a generation of top-level managers embraced the development of a The result: rich portfolio of planning and control tools de- In spite of all Norton’s state-of-the-art man- signed to help them deal with the rapid pace agement systems, its diversification efforts of corporate growth and diversification. never met expectations of management and The interrogations that remain and continue shareholders, and the performance of its core to bother most executives around the globe are abrasive business remained disappointing. about “effectiveness, comprehensiveness and Persistent poor results left the company vul- sustainability”. We could do a custom-made nerable and in 1990, it was absorbed into the study of the current success story of our local French giant, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain. companies such as Café Javas™, and compare 2. 3M Company: their effectiveness with Java House™. Here we Meanwhile, 3M achieved the diversification could seek to understand why one is opening aims that eluded Norton by taking a very dif- more branches while the other seems to be ferent tack. struggling, even in prime locations. However, we have no documents to back our discourse. Their choice: So we shall take a dive in known cases of W. W. In an effort to The leaders there placed little emphasis on Norton & Company and 3M (Minnesota Min- make workers top-down planning and control. ing and Manufacturing Company), which was more predictable done by Harvard Business School. Their task: While examining the two companies, which and controllable, managers of the They instead, nurtured the innovative ideas opened at nearly the same time and similar ju- of frontline engineers and sales representa- 1950s created risdictions and privileges. The researcher found tives, thereby building an entrepreneurial out that while Norton Company participated in “the organiza- engine that generated a stream of profitable the managerial revolution enthusiastically than tion man,” who new products and promising new technolo- any other, the competitor at 3M were quietly was stripped of gies. registering more and more profit and growth individuality and through diversification. The details discovered initiative.” The Result: the following: Silburn Clarke. • Going into the post-war boom, 3M and Norton were roughly the same size. By the 1. Norton Company: mid-1980s, 3M was reporting sales eight times those of its old competitor. Their choice: • 3M was named for the fifth time in six years • In the early 1970s, Norton pioneered the use on Fortune’s list of the “Ten Most Admired of profit impact of market strategies, known Corporations”.

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 37 tural eremitism. He would weave world 3. Discussions: The Strategy-Structure-Systems matters so beautifully with issues in our One factor chiefly explains such differ- Management Model enabled com surroundings as he relayed modernism ent results for the two companies with to inspire our young minds. In one such panies to grow for couple decades, similar origins and goals: fantastic moments, he spoke of a not-so- a) Their management philosophies and but never to outlive their Founders. long-ago African fable: styles. If Norton was an archetype of a Accordingly, the problems that “In the land of Aroo; right in the midst “systems-driven company”, 3M epito- many companies are experiencing of their extreme mayhem and despon- mised a “people-centred entrepreneur- today are inherent in the philosophy dency, a young man with no genealogi- ial model”. That is the essential model underlying that model, which origi cal history of royalty arose to lead his for competing in today’s post-industrial, nated with the teachings of people. Chief Rwom Wonlim initiated a global markets. Frederick Winslow Taylor. drive for change known as Turupeko, aka b) Over the years, 3M’s top management Purging Lack. Under the semblance of developed a very different relationship transformation to modernism, Wonlim with its organisation’s members than the and managing the systems required to was steadily suppressing his own peo- one that evolved at Norton. link and control the company’s parts”. ple, leaving them terrified and stripped c) Although information, planning, and The Strategy-Structure-Systems Man- of their properties, food, and liberty. control systems were clearly part of the agement Model enabled companies Meanwhile, the people outside Aroo management process, they did not de- to grow for couple decades, but never were unaware about what was going fine 3M’s primary communication chan- to outlive their founders. Accordingly, inside the territory. Instead, they envied nels. the problems that many companies him and spread rumurs that Wonlim had d) Individual entrepreneurs there have are experiencing today are inherent in dramatically pushed the land forward, always been able to present their ideas the philosophy underlying that model, and Aroo was fast becoming a modern directly to management and discuss which originated with the teachings of industrial society. There were massive them in face-to-face meetings. As a re- Frederick Winslow Taylor. projects to show, the size of which the sult, 3M’s top management has seen its The problem with that management locals had never seen; testaments of role much less as directing and control- approach was that its assumptions about robust policies and systems. Hills and ling employees’ activities and more as the unpredictability and pathology of mountains were moved, courses of riv- developing their initiatives and support- human behaviour became self-fulfilling ers altered, industrial units sprang up, ing their ideas. prophecies. The systems that ensured bringing supplies of new products, and The chairman and CEO, Livio D. DeSi- control and conformity also subdued foods,” my uncle narrated. mone, stated: “3M’s philosophy has been creativity and initiative. Stripped of indi- “Chief Wonlim was himself esteemed at the core of its ability to renew itself viduality, people often engaged in the as the model of iconic leadership. ‘Proj- continuously. Senior management’s pri- very behaviours that the system had ect Turupeko’ demonstrated his triumph, mary role is to create an internal envi- been designed to control. At best, the and projected him as the embodiment ronment in which people understand resulting organisational culture grew of the ancient spirits that is now eradi- and value their way of operating… Our passive, with amused resignation and cating poverty, ignorance, and venality. job is one of creation and destruction employees implemented corporate-led ‘He is the acclaimed benevolent “Father- – supporting individual initiative while initiatives that they knew would fail. At of-the-Land of the Land, Aroo’, chanted breaking down bureaucracy and cyni- worst, the tightly controlled environ- the mesmerised throng. cism.” Livio added: “It all depends on de- ment triggered antagonism and even At one such event, a small group of veloping a personal trust relationship subversion. People deep within the or- neighbouring communities gathered between those at the top and those at ganisation found ways to undermine the with their story tellers and scribes to lis- lower levels.” system that constrained them. ten to Wonlim talk, as the man of the Very few executives are actually will- people. He took his guests around model 4. The Inference: ing to look “the fallacy of control” in the farms, interacted with the workers, and The Harvard Business School research- face. Conceivably, this is fablic lesson answered exclusively selected and pre- ers concluded with a single theme: ‘From to the “brutal entrepreneurship” from a pared questions from his guests—all as Organisation Man to Individualised Cor- “syndicalist”. planned. The farm workers were show- poration’. casing their presentations. Wonlim’s Norton’s systems-based approach to THE FALLACY OF CONTROL: presence was as profound as ever. management was part of what is de- Let us bring out a much horrid side of Wonlim walked casually through the scribed as the “strategy-structure sys- the “fallacy of control,” I think of the fable barnyard spreading crumbs of locally tems doctrine.” The doctrine took hold that my uncle told: “a brutal lesson from made bread to a group of Ducklings— when increasing size and complexity a ‘syndicalist to an entrepreneur”, which all the while answering the prearranged saw the CEOs take to delegating most I think of as a classic firm perspective on questions. “Yes, domestic farms’ output of their operating decisions to newly the subject. has increased tremendously, as we mu- installed division-level managers. Se- My uncle was one fascinating type, nicipalised farming production,” asserted nior managers recast their own jobs as: unusually able to bring exhilarating ways Wonlim. “The results; grains, fruits, and “defining strategy, developing structure, of canopying cosmopolitanism into cul- tubers are in abundance—besides the

38 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG animals,” he said. “Even these ducks have “Wonlim, seemingly oblivious of the look just like you and me. increased egg production,” he added. scribe’s questions, said: “In Aroo, as it • Then there are others who will hurt “Everyone nodded with ecstatic ges- shall hopefully be everywhere, togeth- you on purpose just because they ture, as they marvelled at the leadership erness must be upheld over individual don’t like you or they feel threatened genius of Wonlim by his programmes, abilities, and for the benefit of all.’” by you, or just because they can. and that is all there was to know. That “While Wonlim continued in his stoic • Others never see life beyond amass- was, until one typically sceptical Munu travesty, the wounded duck crept back ing mileage; it does not matter who Macolian scribe dared to ask a straight- toward the edge of the flock to have they drain financially, mentally, emo- forward but spontaneous question. some of the bits of crumbs remain- tionally and physically. While they ‘Chief,’ the scribe beckoned, “How long ing on the ground. Knowing exactly have certifications from renown col- do you think you will keep up with the what point he wanted to make, Won- leges, have statutory certifications, pretence and underlying carnage?’ lim reached again into the bucket and immigrations details, UNBS approv- “Without immediate reply, Wonlim pulled out a fresh handful of the bread als, tax clearances, etcetera, they only just continued spreading the crumbs. crumbs and held out his hand toward do so as an obligatory camouflage. “Trying to get his point across, the the injured bird. The animal hesitated a They remain focused on their quest scribe asked again, ‘Don’t you think bit, raised its head to the correct angle for aggrandisement. Perhaps they are when you continue mistreating and ex- and shyly stepped forward toward Won- simply unconscious about their ability ploiting your people, they will one day lim. In a twinkle of an eye, it was eating to make credible choice, because they rise up against you?’” the crumbs right out of the hand that have never been calibrated on funda- “The cronies were dumbstruck with just a little while back had dithered the mental values and standards. fear, and his aides were overtaken with feathers right off it’s back.” However, I still believe that there are panic. On feeling the apparent appre- “Wonlim dropped the remaining still great employers out there. I trust hension caused by the question, Won- crumbs on the ground stood and turned that you are one of them. As a great lim gestured for them to halt. He then toward the scribe, and flatteringly said. leader, may your own personal values grabbed one of the ducks and held it ‘Does that answer you?’” guide you not to exploit other folks. The tight under his arm. And as calm and “The scribe hesitated, cocked his head questions for you should always remain: confident as he could, Wonlim said: in total bewilderment, and responded, “As a great employer, what must ‘put- ‘We have more produce because we ‘I see what you mean sir. I get it. Thank ting people at the heart of the business’ have worked the farms, and we can sell you’, as the bursting horror of the inhu- mean in practical terms?” vegetables, grain, poultry et al; we are mane viewpoint inundated his mind.” The next sections of this treatise looks building a capital base in order to build I must say, the tale taunted me to the at the most common reasons for em- ourselves into a modern society, and as core, and I kept probing where my uncle ployee satisfaction/turnover. the needs of our people are being met.’ got the story. Later on, in my advanced He spoke as he continued ripping the learning on human societies, I met a EMPLOYEES’ SATISFACTION/TURN- feathers off the duck’s back.” related story that has helped me to un- OVER. “The poor bird quacked, shrieked derstand the prodigy of my uncle’s style Having served at management level in and squawked in agony but Wonlim’s of inspiration . My uncle was ahead of multinational companies for more than grasp was tighter. He calmly turned to his peers. two decades, and being a proprietor the scribe: ‘Our efforts are a demonstra- myself, I have come to conclude that tion of the ability of man to turn the The brief lesson: every person we have met, or that we page to a new dawn and our land shall Is the story, Chief Wonlim is not any will meet and/or see, they have expe- overcome every individual faintness and different from the majority of leaders rienced some life’s twists and turns, and greediness that kept us, and many other elsewhere? We may ask, “What actually is are carrying within themselves some people, from solving the problems suf- the driving force in most organisation’s deep seated quests. Majority is seem- fered.’” leadership philosophies; indigenous or ingly asking: “When will I find a commu- “The scribe stared in horror as Won- multinationals today?” For the “sharks” nity of folks; through which my persona lim savaged the duck, and later threw to survive, there must always be some and contribution shall be celebrated, so it down, headlong. The bird wilted and deluded “ducklings”. Surely, as someone that I too shall find fulfilment?” This is squealed hopelessly on the ground, asked: “If a ‘duck’ falls into the ‘shark’s because every single individual bears quivering—with flabbergasted strug- waters’, can anyone blame the ‘shark’ for an in-born potential and are longing for gles, it sought to recalibrate to find it eating it? The blatant truth is: the right atmosphere where they can bearing and move. While the feeling of • The majority of people are weak and blossom. antipathy and fear overtook the mem- do not know any better, like that duck. Whereas there are some exceptions, bers within the farmyard, Wonlim asked They keep coming back to harmful the thing is if you and I can create such for more crumbs form the attendants, situations. environment, even the least likely per- and continued to scatter the feeds to • There are also unscrupulous individu- son will amaze us. Victor Hugo captured the other ducks, which clustered around als out there; I mean really bad peo- the quintessence of challenge of “Put- him. ple, who hurt others to get what they ting People at the Heart of the Business”, “The scribe stammered: ‘What is the want. There are a lot more of them meaning of this… Why…?’ than we are willing to accept and they continued on page 42

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 39 Boost your capacity by utilising UNABCEC’s special discount programs Mike Serunkuuma

Certified UNABCEC members set to benefit from the MoUs signed under UNABCEC’s discount programme

Ganatra Plant & Equipment Limited major factor affecting performance of NABCEC, under her discount (GPE), the sole authorised distributors contractors. To this regard, UNABCEC programme, provides her mem- for the JCB brand in Uganda and Kenya, has partnered with Tyre Express (U) Ubers with access to high qual- and NC Bank as the financier, will see Ltd – suppliers of the highest quality ity services, latest technology and top- UNABCEC members receive benefits original tyre brands to supply tyres to of-the-line products at discounted rates. that include the following; UNABCEC members at a subsidised From discounts on heavy equipment to • 5% subsidy on purchase of equip- cost. construction supplies and construction ment Under this partnership, Tyre Express management solutions, UNABCEC has • 2 years extended warranty (U) Ltd will provide UNABCEC mem- signed Memoranda of Understanding • 2 free services bers with a 10% discount on tyres (MoUs) with different suppliers of con- • 1 year comprehensive insurance for 4X4 & SUV cars, 7% discount on struction equipment and materials that cover Passenger car and truck tyres and 5% will help build capacity for her members • Complimentary operator training in discount on Off The Road tyres (tyres to execute mega projects. Nairobi for Construction Equipment) Equipment is one of the major success • Complimentary mechanic training In a bid to promote a safe work- factors for contractors in the execution of in Nairobi ing environment on job sites of her their projects. If contractors are not well This will enable member companies members, UNABCEC has partnered equipped, the country also faces the dan- to acquire equipment without straining with Africa Road Furniture Ltd – ger of sub-standard road infrastructure. their cash flow. the professional manufacturers and That is why UNABCEC in partnership with However, operational costs is another suppliers of all Road Traffic Control

40 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG signs (temporary and permanent), addresses to access the offered incen- Road traffic equipment, Factory and tives. institution safety labels, Car reflector plates and Screen printed products. Ganatra Plant & Equipment Ltd Under this partnership, UNABCEC Showroom 4, Pioneer House, Plot 28, members will receive 5% discount on Jinja Road, Kampala +256 790 202006 the products supplied by Africa Road Email: [email protected] Furniture Ltd. We are delighted that these global Tyre Express (u) Ltd leaders in the construction industry Plot No. 101, JR complex, Jinja Road, are stepping up to fill major gaps that Kampala, Uganda constrain the growth of contractors Tel: +256 751 306838/+256 750 429 and impose barriers on their ability to 999 tender for major work packages. Email: [email protected] “We are confident that these partnerships will increase the number of Africa Road Furniture Ltd Plot 2065, Kasokoso Road- Kireka, near participants across the value chain of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole the physical construction sub-sector 256(0)704 786 454 / 774 514 184 Tel: and contribute to fair competition,” +256- 393 264 340 says Mrs. Elizabeth Muhebwa, UNAB- Email: [email protected] CEC Executive Director, at the mid- Website: www.afroadfurniture.co.ug year Stakeholders Engagement Forum that took place on 4th July, 2019 at Kingdom Kampala building at which these partnerships were launched. Mike Serunkuuma is the Present a copy of your valid & certi- Programs Officer, UNABCEC fied membership certificate to below

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 41 from page 39 when he said: “There so much misery in the lower In our next series on “Putting People at level as there is inhumanity in the higher level.” the Heart of Your Business”, we shall endea- When your subject mourns, you will have denied vour to look at subtopics such as: them the opportunity for loyalty to you, which 1) Organisational culture, socialisation, and is also the most common reason for employee mentoring: turnover. a) What you need to know and do, wherein we shall deal with how best to meet with 1. Employee turnover: each employee, ask about their fulfilment, Glassdoor Research™ arrived at the extrapola- seek their opinion how the work culture tion that 53% of employees are dissatisfied with Stripped of indi- can be improved. We shall ask about their their current jobs, and are looking out for every viduality, people work balance, if they feel valued at work opportunity to leave. The research further con- often engaged and what could make them love their role cluded: in behaviours…, in the company. a) A total of 20% gain unnecessary weight at resulting orga- Always bear in mind that the greatest their current jobs because of negative work en- nizational cul- cost will remain: “The guts to hear and ac- vironment; ture that grew cept the truth”. Remember “we don’t hire b) Ten percent never take a vocation because of passive; with professionals to tell them what to do. We stress and pressure; amused resigna- select smart people with whom we work c) A total of 50% will quit because of monotony, together to create significance and have a lack of engagement and challenge; tion.” lasting impact”. Christopher A. d) A total of 23% are looking for opportunity Bartlett & Sumantra elsewhere, because of lack of recognition and Ghosha 1) What an Employee can do: Besides benefits. the fact that a great employer is fond of When people are not at the heart of our busi- an affiliate who “vies” for great things in life, nesses, we may gain some mileage, but because you must demand for the best that life of- it is at the back of cursing and mourning souls, fers. This is why I believe that the function it will only be a matter of time before our mo- that is upon you “vies”. So how should you ments of rest is full of the echoes of the sigh Majority is seem- handle it? For applied relevance, I prefer of the souls who served us rise. Robert Burns ingly put it this way: in his book ‘Was Man Made to Mourn (1786)’ asking: “When • Veneration: Serve beyond yourself; said: “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless will I find some- • Integrity: Be truly faithful, especially in thousands mourn!” small things; one… a com- 2. Employee satisfaction: • Excellence: Be your best and enjoying Amanda Stansell of TechRepublic™ points out munity of folks; what you do; the major mistakes of well-meaning employers: through which • Stewardship: Handle another person’s “89% of leaders think people quit/stay because my persona and thing as though it is yours. of [not] getting enough pay. People desire to contribution In the words of Albert Schweitzer, “what add value, have impact, be significant and be shall be cele- really matters is that we should all realise part of your purpose”. brated and re- that we are guilty of inhumanity. The hor- Accordingly, employees stay in their current warded, so that ror of this realisation should shake us out employment because of one or a combination I too shall find of our lethargy so that we can direct our of the following: fulfilment?!” hopes and our intentions to the coming a) They feel appreciated and listened to; Selah!. of an era in which hostilities will have no b) They receive mentoring and challenges; place. (The Problem of Peace,4 November c) They advance and have learning opportuni- 1954)” ties; d) There’s appropriate compensations and ben- 1. Creating person-centred organisa- efits. tions: While the dynamics in a family will always re- This is a huge subject, which we shall main more intricate, the similarity with an em- … for the unwrap with time. For now, let me leave ployment setting is that when we take talented ‘Sharks’ to you with this profound inspiration by Adele persons as family members, they start by devel- survive, there Peters, a staff writer at Fast Company, who oping the guts to train and lead others for the must always be focuses on solutions to some of the world’s benefit of the family/organisation. People want some deluded largest corporations challenges. She fo- to work for a firm that values, rewards and ap- ‘Ducklings’.” cused her fingers on a New Zealand com- preciates them. Uncle. pany which she decided to offer a four-day work week. TAKE HOME:

42 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG “After spending two months testing a 20% Perception of workload went down. Job shorter week, a New Zealand company found stress declined from 45% to 38%. Employ- its employees happier, more focused, and pro- ees’ sense of engagement with their work ducing the same amount of work. Now they are went up, and their commitment to their making the change permanent. Perception of employer rose from 68% to 88%. They found This New Zealand company tried a new ex- workload went their work more stimulating, had more periment: employees could work four standard down. Job confidence in the leadership team, and felt days instead of five, but would be paid their stress declined more empowered in their roles. usual salary. Newly released numbers from a from 45% to The company is now moving forward to study of the project, which lasted eight weeks, 38%. Employees’ implement the change permanently…” show that it worked. Workers’ sense of work-life sense of en- balance went from 54% to 78%. Stress went 2. WHAT I HAVE URGED: down. And the missed hours did not affect job gagement with Ordinarily, “Putting People at the Heart of performance, which slightly improved. their work went the Business” is a tall order for many leaders, “The head of the company, a trust and es- up, and their as it comes with numerous bombshells of tate planning firm, called Perpetual Guardian, commitment to weight personality types, economic under- was inspired to make the change after reading their employer tones, relational ramifications, and so on. about research showing that the average British rose from 68% Yet, I trust that because you started off with employee is productive only 2.5 hours a day. ‘I to 88%.” the dream of building a model organisation, thought, well, that’s interesting,’ says CEO An- Helen Delaney. and with a leadership style that many would drew Barnes. “If I gave people a day off a week draw inspiration from, and because you to do all the other stuff that got in the way–all have carefully selected your departmental the little problems that you might have outside managers and attendant minions; please of work–would you then get better productiv- explore the criticality of your management ity in the office in the four days when people philosophy—so that you “put people at the worked?” centre of your business”. “When he announced the plan to his employees, he asked them to brainstorm how to keep their own productivity as high as it had been before as their hours changed to get Wednes- days or Fridays off. With the incentive of time off, they got creative. ‘Often there are lots of small inefficiencies which never get addressed in a company because they are just really too small for someone to focus their time on,’ he says. “Now, because there was a prize–y to have a day off–all of those little things got addressed or got identified.” Employees spent less time in meetings and on social media. They started experimenting with signals on their desks to indicate to co- workers when they shouldn’t be interrupted. (Studies have found that it can take more than 20 minutes to get focused after an interrup- tion.) Because there were fewer people in the office, noise and distractions went down. And despite the fact that the staff was spending 20% less time in the office, productivity didn’t fall.” “‘The supervisors actually seemed to be somewhat surprised to say they actually managed to do all of their work,’ says Jarrod Harr, a professor of human resource management at Auckland University of Technology, who sur- veyed employees. A second researcher, Helen Delaney, a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland Business School, performed qualita- tive research at the company. Job satisfaction, though fairly high before the experiment, ticked upward, as did employees’ sense of satisfaction with their lives in general.

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 43 A section of Hoima Municipal roads constructed by Abubaker Technical Services and Gen- eral Supplies Ltd. Media guided tour to members’ projects treats local contractors. “The government needs to be fair. Local contrac- By Anthony Mushoborozi noises from construction machines and tors deserve a little more trust. We are monstrous tipper trucks, a team of engi- happy to do the donkey work of earth n June 15, 2019, Elizabeth Muhe- neers, graduate interns, technicians and works, draining swamps and blasting bwa, the executive director of casual labourers toiled. rocks but people need to know that we OUNABCEC, together with the This section of the roadworks was have the capacity to build a road all the Projects Monitoring Team, led a team under one of the genuine contractors, way to the final top layers. The way it is of journalists to the western part of the Armpass Technical Services, whose works now, we do all the hard work and leave country for a field tour. The tour was at Km 25 on this project include swamp the simple work of top layers to foreign- aimed at publicising the construction treatment, culvert structures and earth ers who then bank the lion’s share of the works that the members of the Associa- works. project money,” Eng Rose Kiggundu, the tion were currently undertaking on dif- Mr Andrew Amanyire, one of the grad- contracts manager of KNWI, said. ferent projects. uate interns on this project, said it is hard The next stop was on the newly built “Some Ugandan construction compa- to have such career development op- Ruzairwe Bridge on Pacwa – Kyebando nies have developed capacity over the portunities with some companies since - Kibaale Road and Armpass Technical years to undertake construction projects they require experienced personnel. He Services was on site doing final touches of every kind. All the major construction requested the government to support on the bridge. projects in recent history have tapped construction companies that provide After a short time doing interviews and into our local capacity to deliver quality such opportunities to fresh graduates. photography, the team set off for Hoima works. However, both the public and the A few kilometres into the greater Ka- Town where Abubaker Technical Services government are largely unaware of this kumiro area, another section of the same and General Supplies exhibited its com- because there has been minimal public- project, was another genuine contractor pleted works on the Hoima Municipal ity. This is not fair and it needs to change,” hard at work at Km 29. As this part of roads, a USMID project funded by World Mrs Muhebwa said. the country is very rocky, the contrac- Bank. Anyone who has recently travelled The excursion that started at 6am at tor in charge of this section, Kasese Nail to Hoima will attest to the impressive the Association offices in Lugogo took and Wood Industries Limited (KNWI), state of the finished work and will agree about four hours before the first stop at was busy blasting rocks and carrying out with Ms. Ndagire Fatuma, the administra- Mubende on Mubende-Kakumiro-Kagadi swamp treatment works. tor of Abubaker Technical Services and (MKK) road project. Amid the flurry of They, too, complained about the way General Supplies Limited, that “local con- activity, clouds of dust and thundering Uganda’s biggest client, the government, tractors have the capacity”.

44 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Reducing construction waste could save millions Caroline Mukhaye Kyesimira

aste is often times defined as any fit for purpose. An example of how to re- Reduce substance the holder discards or use material is during the demolition of a intends to discard. Any item that building if the structure can be dismantled W Reuse might be considered by the user as not hav- instead of knocking it down. This alternate ing any more use is also termed as waste. It process increases the amount of materials has been said that,:“There is no such thing that can be salvaged intact. Recycle as “away”, when we throw anything away, it Using a reliable waste contractor can must go somewhere.” help the company if it chooses to go the Dispose One of the avenues that can be used to way of recycling. At construction sites, dif- cut down on cost, eventually saving a lot of ferent skips should be put in place in order money at a construction site is to reduce to aid in the segregation of waste. This aids on the amount of waste that is generated the process of recycling, as it will be easier on the site. Often times without realizing it, to place recyclable materials together, clean a lot of money is lost at construction sites in and separate from other waste materials. the form of waste. Once the decision to use your waste con- Players in the industry can all make a tractor to help with recycling, the company huge contribution to tackling the issue of should take great care to use a contractor waste at sites by; reducing waste, using ma- whose license can be verified. Recycling terials in a better way and going the way can help to recover a significant amount of of waste recycling. Knowledge and use of money for the construction company and the waste hierarchy can come in handy in reduce negative environmental impacts. such situations. As a rule, companies should always aim Companies can reduce waste by plan- at disposing waste as a last resort. The ben- ning early on the project in order to use efits of using the waste hierarchy to man- designs that cause less waste creation. Use age waste at a construction site go a long of standard sizes and quantities of materi- way in saving money for the company in als while planning ahead to reduce offcuts. various ways. Also, order only that which is needed on One of the obvious ways that the com- site at each particular stage of the project pany saves money is by reducing the cost and ensure that storage areas are safe and from purchasing less material. If a com- weather proof. By using some of these pany is only purchasing what it requires for methods to reduce the amount of con- each phase, it reduces significantly on the struction waste on site, the company saves amount of wasted material that will be gen- money in material that could have been erated, translating into a money saved. lost from wastage or lack of planning. It is Reducing waste as well as proper han- wise also, to always ensure the quality of dling of waste is a company’s legal obliga- the products that are being accepted on tion. By fulfilling this, you save on millions of site, poor quality materials always end up shillings that could be lost in legal battles as costing more as new materials will have well as fines from regulatory authorities. to be acquired to replace the poor-quality Companies can easily generate more ones. income by recycling their waste, thereby Reusing can also be another way to go earning money from their waste. This also while trying to cut costs at a construction saves on the money that could have been site. Some of the ways in which this can used for disposal costs of the waste. be done is by reusing offcuts where applicable, these can be used first before new materials are used. Also, use of temporary materials like timber hoarding in a man- The author is the Waste Manager ner such that they can be dismantled and at Epsilon Uganda Limited, a leading reused several times. Caution should always Waste Management and Engineering be taken not to reuse materials that are not Company in Uganda. www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 45 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: The key to a successful construction business

Namirembe Patricia N. Kyeyune

onstruction management is the whom one has established trustworthi- well managed as this can be the source overall planning, coordination, ness, honesty and dependability. of losses for any construction company. and control of a construction 7. Construction management must, at C The Contractor’s Perspective: process from project commencement to inception, involve professional work to- completion. It is aimed at putting the cli- According to Andrew Mukiibi, the gether with the project consultants. ent’s vision on ground. It is a professional managing director of Bolt Construction 8. Time management is very crucial in service that ensures the overall control of Company Limited, one of the genuine the construction field because the lack a project’s schedule, cost, quality, among contractors in Uganda, construction man- of it can affect the project costs. . other aspects. Ideally, the construction agement is the key to construction suc- 9. Always ensure proper filing of the manager represents the owner’s interests cess because of the following reasons: records for future reference. In addition, and provides an oversight of the entire 1. Recruiting the right team for your monthly reports should be made for the project. His mandate is to work with all project especially the quantity surveyor client and consultants to avoid unknown the parties to deliver the project on time, who does the valuations for any project, mishaps. within the budget, and to the expected will ensure success. In a nutshell proper construction standard. 2. The site manager can make the right management is the key to construction site material requirements and avoid ex- success only if the project manager and What should have been achieved? cess/waste. their team are properly selected and For some, if the profits are far higher 3. The overall project manager must managed in order to avoid any losses than the losses in each financial year, make quick, timely and reliable decisions but rather savings. It is a business if man- then they would consider that sufficient and avoid unnecessary delays of the aged well can make one rich quick but enough. For others, it is the demand. In works. can also make them very poor overnight Uganda, the market has been unable to 4. The project management has to if mishandled. meet the growing demand for services ensure a very professional site organisa- at affordable prices. While demand for tion is in place to avoid traffic jams of the proper management skills, especially in trucks and site accidents. Namirembe Patricia N. Kyeyune the construction field, that are affordable 5. Always ensure the accounts team is BSc. In Construction Management, Makerere University. to high income earners has increased, the good at what they do. President, Makerere Association of supply has not. 6. The procurement team has to be Construction Managers (MAC) Customer satisfaction is imperative since a satisfied customer will commend your services to others. In other instances, business owners go out of their way to satisfy their clients by attaining good press and employing individuals who are informed, motivated and can perform. Hence the aspect of management comes into play. There is need to employ an individual with the ability to make quick but smart decisions. The meticulous precision with which the manager works will bring about timely and efficient delivery. Work- ing with a construction manager allows for a high level of transparency, minimisa- tion of unplanned costs, and adjustments in the course of the project. Another reason for a manager is to minimise theft of construction materials that is rife on many sites in Uganda. Therefore, Kampala Quality Kindergarten in Kikaaya is one of the successfully completed projects by Bolt Construction there is need to have an individual with Company Limited. It’s successful completion was largely because of its proper management.

46 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 47 Pictorial

Left: UNABCEC members attending an engagement between local contractors on oil roads upgrading projects and UNRA. Right: UNRA Executive Director Allen Kagina addressing the contractors.

Ruzairwe Bridge on Pachwa-Kyebando–Kagadi road by Armpass Technical Services UNABCEC project monitoring team led by Elizabeth Muhebwa, the Executive Director (2ndLeft) visits Kasese Nail & Wood Industries Ltd (KNWI) at Mubende-Kakumiro-Kagadi road project.

The team from Abubaker Technical Services and general services limited with Ongoing works at MKK project by KNWI the monitoring team at the Hoima municipal roads project.

48 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Pictorial

UNABCEC members and other stakeholders attending a construction and engineering conference organised by Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

UNABCEC representative, Eng. Geoffrey Haabasa presents views from contractors at CNOOC National Con- tent Supplier development Workshop for civil engineering companies.

PAU representative Mr. James Musherure and CNOOC Uganda Vice president Mr. Cu Yujun at the workshop.

UNABCEC President, Francis Karuhanga (3rdLeft), with other international association presidents at the 10th International Infrastructure Investment and Construc- UNABCEC members discuss the amendment of the Local Content Bill 2019 with the Par- tion Forum (IIICF) in Macao, China. liamentary commitee on Finance Planning and Economic Development.

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 49 Induction of the board of directors sets new energy Jetty Nuwagira

he Annual General Meeting of De- their own construction firms. The well- ing the Association and her assets, her cember 6, 2018 saw a new Board attended daylong Board retreat showed employees and the Association herself Tof Directors elected into office. the members were open to learn what from risks. The Board is also charged The Secretariat then set out to orient they had been hitherto practicing. And with the responsibility of ensuring the the Directors into the UNABCEC culture, learn they did; as speaker after another Association prospers by collectively farmiliarise them with the closer view of injected a fresh breath into the way of directing her affairs, without ignoring the association’s functions, services and looking at things. the interests of the members and other financial activities in a quick but effec- The workshop kicked off with an over- stakeholders. Above all, the Board must tive manner. This journey led to choos- view of corporate governance principles provide strategic direction to the As- ing a competent organisation, which and practices, followed by functions of sociation, by clarifying vision, mission professionally inducted the new Board the board, legal framework and was and goals as well as monitoring strategy of Directors into their roles and respon- crowned with an introduction to strate- implementation. sibilities. gic planning. By the close of the day, the directors The official induction, therefore, took It was participatory in nature. Each talk had been re-energised to serve and to place on May 3, 2019 at City Royal Resort was followed with comments from par- exact accountability. Hotel in Bugolobi and was facilitated by ticipants and a discussion of issues that the Institute of Corporate Governance of stood out. The wisemen/women were Uganda (ICGU). also treated to refreshing health breaks. Jetty Nuwagira is the Finance and Needless to say, the UNABCEC Board The Board was reminded of their pri- Administration Manager, UNABCEC of Directors are CEOs and Directors in mary role of protection: such as protect-

Board Directors after the induction.

50 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG Genuine players in Uganda’s Construction Industry you can trust

FOREIGN CONTRACTORS

SBI INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS (AG) UGANDA ARAB CONTRACTORS (U) LTD KASESE NAIL & WOOD INDUSTRY Plot 88, Luthuli Avenue, Fil courts Bugolobi. TERRAIN SERVICES LTD Plot 20 Upper Naguru East Road. P.O. Box 11713 Kampala, 0200 400500 LIMITED P.O Box 7289 Kampala Plot 936/970 Block16 Ndeeba Masaka road & Plot Plot 93 Lubowa-Lweza, (next to Mild may), [email protected] Entebbe Road 0392 786340 or 0776 005624 Yaron Dunsky 26/28 -2nd Street Ind. Area [email protected] P.O.Box 103, Kasese P.O. Box 23132, Kampala Eng. Mohammed Tolba NATIONAL AND RESIDENT PROVIDERS 0752 244116 or 0772 244111 +256 392 177267; +256 752 720953 [email protected] or paul.cockerill@ CLASS A-1 CONTRACTORS [email protected] or [email protected] Mr. Nsubuga Mark terraingroup.org >>Annual contracts above 15Bn UGX www.terraingroup.org Paul Cockerill CHINA WU YI CO LTD Plot 12, Naguru Drive Kampala ABUBAKER TECHNICAL SERVICES 0776327623 or 0783995862 & GENERAL SUPPLIES LTD MULTIPLEX LTD [email protected] Kigombya Mukono. P.O Box 29087, Kampala Old portbell road, next to NWSC. Wu Kaibing 0772-577781 or 0392-949990 0701424315 /0772424315 [email protected] [email protected] UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING (U) LTD Juma Kutakulimuuki Moses Ndege Bbosa Plot 113 Namugongo road. P.O Box 71470 kampala 0774 520090 COIL LIMITED [email protected] Plot 59 Katalima Road, opposite police Agaba Tomson AMBITIOUS CONSTRUCTION NEW PLAN ENGINEERING LIMITED headquaters, Naguru Crusader house, 3 Portal Avenue. 0758 888001 COMPANY LIMITED Plot 1, Swaminarayan Close, Wankulukuku Road, P.O Box 7544, Kampala. [email protected] 0758 372360 Pooja Dokwal Nalukolongo industrial area. P.O Box 12452, Kampala [email protected] 0414 273453/4 Eng. Kasingye Kyamugambi [email protected] VCON CONSTRUCTION (U) LTD Parsant Ramji Patel Plot 7, Suna road – Ntinda, P.O. Box 20199 Kampala 0759 445508 or 0414 258662 DOTT SERVICES LTD PIONEER CONSTRUCTION LIMITED Plot 2B 5th Street Close, Industrial Area. [email protected] Plot 30, Bukoto Crescent, Naguru Hill. Nitin Mavji Vekariya P.O.Box 20005, Kampala P.O. Box 21160 Kampala, Uganda ARMPASS TECHNICAL SERVICES 0393 261427 or 0392 658774 0414-566140 or 0772-911207 Plot 1243/4 Block 228 Kyadondo, Mbalwa- Mr. Maheswara Reddy [email protected] Namugongo Sarah Bantebya [email protected] P.O. Box 33204, Kampala 0392 944975 [email protected] VAMBECO ENTERPRISES LIMITED www.armpass.co.ug Plot 43 Kanjokya Street, Kamwokya Po Box Peace Agnes, General Manager PRISMA LIMITED 16220 Kampala EAST AFRICAN PILING COMPANY LIMITED Plot 22 ssemawata place. 0772748351/ 0772716220/ 0414543510 Plot 93 Lubowa-Lweza, (next to Mild may), Entebbe P.O. Box 34764, Kampala Vambeco @vambeco.com Road, P.O. Box 23132, Kampala 0772708200 Banteyehun Haile 0783 742920 [email protected] [email protected] BABCON UGANDA LIMITED Olul Francis Kevin Bradshaw Plot 30 kome Crescent Luzira P.O Box 2100, Kampala 0414 220327 or 0772755011 [email protected] or [email protected] ROKO CONSTRUCTION LTD Godfrey Zaribwende Plot 160 A & B Bombo road Kawempe. VEKSONS U LIMITED PO.Box172 Kampala Suuna road, next to Uganda AIDs Commission MOTA-ENGIL ENGENHARIA E 0414 567305/331 or 0393 203110 - Ntinda Strecher. CONSTRUCAO AFRICA S.A [email protected] 0414 258662 Uganda Branch: Plot 2, Park Lane CEMENTERS UGANDA LIMITED John Bosco Adroni [email protected] P.O.Box 8453, Kololo - Kampala, Uganda Plot 130, 6th Street, Industrial Area. Hitesh Hirani +256 (0)312 203 031 P.O Box 22766 Kampala [email protected] 0393 262168 or 0393 346847 www.mota-engil.com [email protected] Mr. Kartick Halai RHINO INVESTMENTS LIMITED Mauro Ventura Jocasa house, plot 14 Nakasero road, suite 3 0414 230167 [email protected] Hope Mugyenyi SEYANI INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LTD EXCEL CONTRUCTION LIMITED Plot 125/6/7 Bombo Rd. Kawempe next to shell. Plot 43/45 Eng Zikusooka Way. P.O Box 1202, Jinja P.O.Box 23067, Kampala 0434122068/9 or 0414505959 or 0752229955 0414566309 or 0756222760 or 0772 222760 [email protected] [email protected] Satvinder Saini Nimesh.K Seyani www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 51 Genuine players in Uganda’s Construction Industry you can trust

CLASS A-2 CONTRACTORS >>Annual contracts between 10Bn and 15Bn UGX CLASS A-3 CONTRACTORS >>Annual contracts between 5Bn and 10Bn UGX AZU PROPERTIES LIMITED Plot 6-13 Kirinya road, Jokas Hotel, Top floor, AFRO BUILD (U) LTD KIRU GENERAL SERVICES LTD SARICK CONSTRUCTION LIMITED Eastern Block, Bweyogerere. P.O Box 12421 Kampala Plot 63 Ntinda -Kisasi road. P.O Box10736 Nsubuga Kakembo drive, off Kiwatule Plot 5641 Kitende – Wakiso district. 0414 660012 Kampala -Ntinda road. 0772663217 [email protected] 0782600748 Plot No. 2568 Buye Ntinda [email protected] Waiswa Richard [email protected] P.O Box 3463 Kampala Okurut Samuel Rajesh Kumar 0414 574505/ 0414 672318/ 0414 289803/ 0772 401781 [email protected] or [email protected] BCR GENERAL LIMITED Eng Kiberu George Patrick SPIDER CONTRACTORS LIMITED Plot 3/7, Spring road - Bugolobi, off Old Portbell road. AMUGOLI GENERAL Kiwatule – Najjera road. Plot 1634, Block 217 0392 725709 ENTERPRISES LTD 0772365536 [email protected] Plot 1 Kataza close 11, City Royal Hotel, [email protected] John Rubooga Bugolobi Eng. Jemba Seezi Nicholas 0414572485 [email protected] KUKA (U) LIMITED [email protected] Plot 8B, gov’t road, Booma East, Christine Wasua Fort-portagabikl municipality Kabarole District. CGH ESTABLISHMENTS LTD 0788 762087 STONE CONSTRUCTION LIMITED Plot 5 Ring road, Kibuye-Kampala [email protected] Plot 244 Kajjansi, Near Kajjansi Airfield 0772 687683 or 0772 452469 Busingye Donald P.O.Box 26443, Kampala, Uganda. [email protected] 0752-732-373 or 0703-045-370 Eng. Mubiru Charles or Gertrude Nakitto ASSURED ENGINEERING [email protected] SERVICES LIMITED Gopal D Vekaria. Plot 3-5 Baines Terrace, Masaka. P.O. Box 1066 Masaka 0772 425658 MUMA CONSTRUCTION LTD [email protected] Ntinda- Kulambiro Road Benon Mugarura P.O Box 91 Kampala CONTINUUM ENGINEERING LIMITED 0772 431806 UGANDA MARTYRS HOUSING & Plot 9 Mukono town, 1st floor, Equity Bank building. [email protected] CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD 0772 405127 Tiberondwa Moses Kyaliwajjala-Kira road. P.O Box 2789 [email protected] Kampala- Uganda Enoch Kalema 0776475741 CIVTEC AFRICA LIMITED [email protected] Plot 10, Malcom X road, Kololo 0779918103 Okello Francis civtec@civtecafrica. com Solomon Baremeezi NICONTRA LIMITED Plot 32 Martyrs way, Ntinda DAJ INVESTMENTS LTD P.O Box 5588, Kampala Plot 7 Rukidi iii street Fortportal P.O Box 440 0392 716055 or 0772 821 874 or 0414 0772738885 286261 [email protected] Denis Mugarra CORONATION [email protected] or [email protected] DEVELOPERS (U) LIMITED Byengoma Nicholas Plot 171, Mutesa II Road. Ntinda. P.O Box 5696, Kampala 0414699084 [email protected] EPSILON UGANDA LTD Mahinder Singh Channa Plot 1413 Kibuli-Mbogo Rd ROCKTRUST P.O.Box 12647 Kampala CONTRACTORS (U) LTD 0414 252076 Plot 150 Nile Road Njeru town council 0772 353981 0392 944516 [email protected] [email protected] or Moses Kitaka [email protected] KARK TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD Ssembatya Francis Plot 1100, Bulabira road, Najjera, Kira Municipality. P.O. Box 12087 Kampala [email protected] RODO CONTRACTORS LTD FALCON ESTATES LIMITED Mugolo R. Kapiriri – 0754 459547 Kayanja close - Mbuya 11 zone 1, Plot no : 1111, Kansanga Nabutiti Dr. Dan Tindiwensi – 0772 791098 Old kireka road P.O.Box 34725 Kampala Uganda P.O Box 28505, Kampala [email protected] 0392 940788 or 0773138719 0772202444 or 0414270088 [email protected] Hassan Alwi Wamimbi Robert

52 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG CLASS A-3 CONTRACTORS >>Annual contracts between 5Bn and 10Bn UGX

TECHNICAL MASTERS LIMITED CRYSTAL CONSULT (U) LIMITED Ntinda Kigoowa road. Plot 582, opposite Power Trust Plot 568 Rubaga road. P.O. Box 3131 Kampala. HEBRON INVESTMENTS LTD. Solar, 0772 700206 0414 271170 or 0775 660746 Plot 433 Jinja Road GESES UGANDA LTD [email protected] [email protected] Plot 4 Pilkington Road Kazinga Bweyogererre Mwanja Joseph www.crystalconsultgroup.com 0772 422359 Kampala Uganda, P.O BOX 30315 Kampala Bbale Robert 0752 092788 [email protected] [email protected] CLASS A-4 CONTRACTORS Samuel Kibbe Ampaire Michael >>Annual contracts between 1Bn and 5Bn UGX DANSEM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD Plot 163 Ntinda-Naalya road, Mt. Olive HOME BUILDERS LTD GABIKAN ENGINEERING LTD building. P.O Box 29552 Kampala APOMU INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 0701 510877 Plot 640, block 195 kyanja - gayaza rd Mukono - Kawuga road Makanga house 3rd Floor, Masaka road, 0414 389122 or 0752 667123 0782315707 [email protected] Nalukolongo. P.O. Box 910, Mbarara. Wadda Fred [email protected] or aloysius. [email protected] 0787 401218 or 0772 208067 [email protected] Eng. Mubabi Ronald [email protected] Alosyius G. Lubowa Murungi Maria or Odongo Charles KENVIN COMPANY LTD DYNACO LTD Plot 8/10 Kampala road. Uganda House Plot 251 Kyebando-Kisalosalo road, Bukoto Building, Third floor. 0772 630834 or 0414 691834 0772 594960 or 0782 604047 HEAAT GENERAL ENGINEERS ADAPT TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD [email protected] [email protected] & CONTRACTORS LTD Eng. Jonathan Tugume Agalani House, Makindye Opposite Military Barracks, Plot 13, block 204 Kawempe Nayabarema Vincent P.O. Box 2885 Kampala. P.O.Box 21064, Kampala Ahabwe Keneth 0772 328110 0414 575437 or 0752 754060 or 0772 708200 [email protected] [email protected] / [email protected] Ssenozi Robert / Olul Francis Mrs. Hellen Aiko ETA ENGINEERING WORKS LUSA CONSTRUCTION AND & SUPPLY CO. (U) LTD KINGSTONE ENGINEERING AND COMPANY LTD Plot 01/03, Barya plaza. P.O. Box 191 CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT Plot 173- 174 Ring Road Lubiri Mbarara/ 36276 Kampala (KECCO LTD) (Bell depot building) ARS CONSTRUCTION 0772 638445 Plot 832 Namanve Industrial Park. P.O. Box 0784 923209 or 0705 553311 COMPANY (U) LTD. [email protected] 8062 kampala [email protected] Block 110 Plot 1174, Jinja road- opposite Kituyi Evelyn 0782264288 Musinguzi Herbert Memarito hotel, Bweyogerere. [email protected] P.O Box 613, Kampala, Uganda Muhumuza Michael 0782 319214 [email protected] or MASON CONSULT LTD [email protected] SHEPHERDS SERVICES P.O Box 37322 Kampala Bweyogerere MG ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS LTD Stephen Antonetti Prisma hotel – suite 112/113. Plot 1307/8 (U) LIMITED Kito zone Kyebando – Nsooba road. P.O. Box 25809 Kampala. UMA Showgrounds, VIMTO building, room 2. 0772392817 0776/0701 924640 P.O Box 1132 Kampala [email protected] [email protected] 0772/0712457348 Edimu Ivan Kyobe Luke Inyensiko BOLT CONSTRUCTION [email protected] COMPANY LIMITED Nicholas Masete Cynthia house Kawuku, Kisubi Entebbe Road P.O Box 10462, Kampala Uganda 0772466390 MUGOYAPLUS TECHNICAL MUGA SERVICES LIMITED a_mukiibi@hot,mail.com SERVICES LTD Kireka, Kabaka’s road. P.O Box 13130 Kampala. Mukiibi Andrew GAT CONSULTS LIMITED. Plot 112 Akamwesi complexi room E43 0772 539106 Plot 205 Hills House, Entebbe Road 0703397796 or 0414340362 [email protected] P.O Box 37067, Kampala [email protected] Ibanda Isaac 0414 580472 or 0772438420 Atwine Eliud [email protected] BUILD BASE ASSOCIATES (U) LTD Mr. Mugizi Leonard Plot 724/5 Theta building – Mawanda road 0772 609863 or 0772 186595 NATO ENGINEERING COMPANY LTD [email protected] Plot 56 Bombo road, Kalmax Building, office C10 – 11 Asaba Stephen Irumba 0414 235984 or 0701 676767 or 0713 752575 PRUTAZ CONSTRUCTION & [email protected] CMD INVESTMENTS LIMITED GEOMAX ENGINEERING LTD VOCATIONAL TRAINING (U) LTD Tooro Diary building, Plot 16B Rukidi 111 Twikirize Eliot Bigira Plot 28, Kimera road, Ntinda. P.O BOX 74710 Kampala, Seeta Bukerere rd. P.O. Box 8141, Kampala next to Seeta playground street P.O box 81 Fortportal 0414 697448 or 0704 495658 0779963000 or 0700243813 0772494288 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Sebyala Moses Kiwanuka Nabaya Silver Kisembo Robert Apuuli www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 53 Genuine players in Uganda’s Construction Industry you can trust

CLASS A-4 CONTRACTORS CLASS A-5 CONTRACTORS >>Annual contracts below 1Bn UGX

ROBERTS ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD BAKHIT BUILDERS LTD FLEXIHOME LIMITED Plot 3580 Block 273 Nakinga Movit Road Plot 49B, Arua - Pakwach Road. Namasuba Wakiso District Plot 15 Ntinda complex, Ntinda Road. MALT (U) LTD P.O Box 679 Arua, 0772374727 P.O.Box 36582, Kampala Plot 1547 Block29 100m off Mawanda 0772457605 [email protected]/ [email protected] [email protected] 0414-690798 or 0782-454041 Road Kawempe Division Owachigiu Abdurahman P.O.Box 21058 Kampala – Uganda Robert Rwanga [email protected] Aaron Ahikiriza 0701-661293 [email protected] Alice Bongyeirwe CHAMIL INTERNATIONAL LTD MBAFAKOKI PRODUCE P.O Box 97 Kagadi FRIENDSHIP (U) LTD 0782513085 or 0782587222 ENTERPRISES LTD P.O Box 57 Gulu P.O Box 4 Karuguuza Kibaale [email protected] 0779937284 SEMEO ENTERPRISES LTD Eng. Kagwa Milton 0751295530 [email protected] [email protected] Plot 831 Bombo Road 2nd Floor Nissi House Okidi Charles Makerere Kavule Zziwa Joseph 0772 498527 or 0777 728115 [email protected] GIGRACO ENTERPRISES (U) LTD Vvuuma B. Cyrus Plot 001 Printers miracle centre- ground floor, room 002, Nasser road. CME ENTERPRISES LIMITED P.O Box 8040, Kampala Plot 1 Akabwai Road Lira, Weite Ojok Lane. 0782 556363 MOLECULE INVESTMENT (U) LTD P.O Box 948 Lira [email protected] or P.O Box 1667, lubiri ring road 0772 446135 [email protected] 0772680420 [email protected] Mucunguzi Emmy [email protected] Eng. Ojilong Charles Ndiwalana Peter UNIT CONSULTS LTD Plot 13/15 Block 2 Apartment 7B Kira Road 0756261226 [email protected] Twesigye Ignatious PERFECT MULTIPLE ENGINEERING & CRISP CONTRACTORS LTD HEAVY INVESTMENT LIMITED CONSULTANCY SERVICES (U) LTD Plot 57 Bandali rise - Bugolobi P.O Box 551 Kakumiro Namanve Industrial Park, 0777 147607 or 0772212100 0783689997 or 0772434689 Plot 2420 Jinja road [email protected] [email protected] 0776 744885 Francis Kazinduki Nassiri Fatuma [email protected] WIM SERVICES LIMITED Nkooka James Kisozi house, Plot 8 Kyaggwe road, P.O. Box 30582, Uganda 0782 454568 REAL INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] or info@ KCCA market building Room 007 South wing- Wandegeya wimservices.com DA TRACK LIMITED JAMI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD 0776838483 Katumba Allan Plot 932, Block 223. 2 floor Ebenezer house [email protected] Kireka- Namugongo Rd. Opposite Uganda Plot 954 Kintu Road, Kitintale. P.O Box 2359, martyrs hardware Kampala Isaac Matovu Kimuli 0772978870 0772494329 CLASS A-5 CONTRACTORS [email protected] [email protected] Katongole Christopher Can. Eng. Jonathan Mwedde >>Annual contracts below 1Bn UGX REENBOOG CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LTD 3rd Floor Krish Mall. P.O Box 35879, Kampala DACOSI LIMITED KAVCON (U) LTD ALLIED ENTERPRISES Lugalama Shopping Centre, Ntinda. P.O.Box 0759653705 COMPANY LTD Plot 2602, Block 216 Ntinda- Kulambiro Road 0752636110 or 0754535204 or 0392002613 28785, Kampala [email protected] P.O Box 28895, Kampala Mariam N. Kabanda Plot 3 pilkington Road, NIC building, 6th floor [email protected] 0393514613 or 0772 507560 0772458421 or 0785291837 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Paul Kishaija Andrew Kavuma Tibeingana Manasseh RUSHAKA INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD Plot 1 pilkington road - Kira house, 4th ETABCO PANAFRICA LIMITED floor- suit 59 AL-MUBARAK CONTRACTING Plot 209, Old Kira road, Bukoto Kampala LUBBE CONTRACTORS LTD 0705 095355 or 0774 229682 PLOT 1021 Bweyogerere-Kirinya road P.O Box 819 Kampala Plot 1021, Bweyogerere-Kirinya road [email protected] 0704 603198 0779079883 0704 603198 David Muller [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jesse Otwane Khaled Al Alem Jesse Otwane

54 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG CLASS A-5 CONTRACTORS CLASS B-1 CLASS B-2 >>Annual contracts below 1Bn UGX >>Manufacturers of construction materials AFRICA ROAD FURNITURE LTD Plot 2065, Kasokoso road, Kireka. HARDWARE WORLD LIMITED P.O. Box 23545 Kampala Plot 712, Kiira road, Ntinda, 0704786454 or 0772611816 SANITATION AFRICA LIMITED PRAMUKH STEEL LTD P.O. Box 3074, Kampala. [email protected] Plot 1 lourdel Road, floor 6 Nakasero Plot 2/20 Kayunga road - Njeru - Jinja Jesse W. Emuge P.O Box 8588, Kampala 0776 706666 or 0434 251712 0772 708135 +256 707 792488 [email protected] [email protected] CLASS C-1 [email protected] Ronald Ssemuli David Odiama Samuel Malinga >>Mechanical & Electrical contractors. Annual contracts above 1Bn UGX SEMWO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD Faibah Plaza, Luwumu Street Mubaraka’s Build- STEEL AND TUBE INDUSTRIES LTD MANTRAC UGANDA LIMITED ing. Kihihi Town Council, Kanungu District Deals house, Mukabya road - Nakawa industrial area POWER AFRICA (U) LIMITED 0392 944595 or 0702 333006 or 0312261283 or 0414 287950 Plot 17/41, 7th Street Industrial Area. Plot 4725 Kisota Road, Kisasi 0782 434660 [email protected] P.O. Box 7126 Kampala 0772 712812 [email protected] Aloysius Ntambi 0312 330600 or 0756268722 [email protected] Semwogerere Moses [email protected] or Serunkuma Herbert [email protected] www.mantracuganda.com CLASS C-2 Buhweire Elizabeth YOGI STEELS LIMITED >>Mechanical & Electrical contractors. S-M CATHAN PROPERTY CONSULT Plot 270, Njeru – Kayunga road, Malindi. P.O Box 2207 Jinja. SKAS house, plot 180, Namuwongo road 0752 289841 Annual contracts below 1Bn UGX 0414375797 [email protected] [email protected] Patel Alpesh Mugisha Turyahikayo Allan NILETRAC UGANDA LIMITED MEASUREMENT SOLUTIONS LIMITED Plot M424 Factory road - 1st Floor, Konkomebbi house, Kibumbiro trading Henley business park - Ntinda Industrial area centre, Busega, Kampala. CLASS B-2 0414505777 0772 951371 / 0772 427193 [email protected] / [email protected] TEDMACK ENG WORKS LTD [email protected] Kokunda Barbra Rhona / Simon Rwashana Plot 1996 Block 192 Buwate Kiira Municipal Council >>Agents & Suppliers of construction Ali Mohamed Plot 243 Mubangizi road – Ruharo Mbarara branch. materials and equipment 0782 475620 or 0701 475620 [email protected] Agaba Edwin UNI ENGINEERS CO. (U) LIMITED PANAFRICAN TRUCKS & EQUIPMENT (U) LTD Plot 289, Block 221, Nakoosi – Mukono. Namanve industrial park, next to Toyota Uganda P.O. Box 16731 Kampala. ACHELIS (U) LIMITED 0414 572012 or +256 786 289992 Plot 55 William Street, P.O Box 7198 Kampala. 0775 215685 CLASS B-1 [email protected] [email protected] 0414 344442 or 0752 778899 www.uniengineers.co.ug Paul Ssali >>Manufacturers of construction materials [email protected] Francis Otim www.achelis.net Hans Georg Hinterberger

VOLCOM TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD KAMPALA CEMENT TILE CENTRE LTD Plot 91-93 6th street industrial area Kampala Uganda Najjera Kiwatule Road Plot 114, Block 165, Namataba, Jinja Road 0776153606 0200-999888 P.O Box 4009 [email protected] DAVIS & SHIRTLIFF INTERNATIONAL 0758898736 or 0414345350 [email protected] LIMITED Mwebaze Emmanuel or Tom Ndawula S.S Baryan JR Complex. Plot 101 Jinja road. P.O.Box 22824 [email protected] or [email protected] Kampala Henry Jjuuko CLASS D-1 0414 346335/8 [email protected] >>International Associate Members www.davisandshirtliff.com THERMOCOOL UGANDA LTD Sunday Anywar KANSAI PLASCON UGANDA LIMITED Plot 15/17 2nd street industrial area. P. O Box 31542 Plot 28 Kyaggwe, Block 112, Kolo, Mukono. Kampala MUA INSURANCE UGANDA LIMITED 0414 342070/1 or 0755 987891 0312263711 or 0393 263711 9th Floor Workers House Pilkington Rd [email protected] [email protected] 0414349659 www.kansaiplascon.co.ug Karim Lalani [email protected] Samallie Nankanja FABRICATION SYSTEMS (U) LIMITED Mukasa Latimar Plot 1457 off Jinja road, Banda – Kireka. P.O. Box 22631 Kampala. 0752 344449 [email protected] CLASS D-2 Kalpesh Mehta >>Local Associate Members AFRIMECH (U) LTD Plot 31 Ntinda Road Complex Building Block A MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES LTD Floor 1 Plot 13/23, 8th street industrial area. P.O Box 20166 Kampala. GANATRA PLANT & EQUIPMENT LIMITED 0772 515865 OR 0705 382993 STATEWIDE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 0414 236021/22 Plot 28, showroom 4, Pioneer House, [email protected] Plot 1 Bombo Road Sure House [email protected] Jinja road. 0790 202006 [email protected] Plot 63 Masindi Port Road or [email protected] [email protected] Charles Kavuma 031 2262119 Dipanjan Ray www.gpe.co.ke [email protected] or [email protected] Ashiana Jivraj Joseph W. Kiwanuka

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019 55 UPcoming events Exclusive events, Priceless memories

3RD E.A.C INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS EXPO 2019 A - Z 16th-22nd DECEMBER 2019

VENUE: Garden City Shopping Mall Or UMA – Kampala END OF YEAR STAKEHOLDERS

Free Entry to the General Public Opportunities Available: ENGAGEMENT FORUM 1.Buying Exhibition Stalls , 2.Sponsorship Packages, 3.Partnerships, 4.Swap Deals, Theme: Strategic partnerships for sustainable 5.Advertising in the Events Newspapers, growth Exhibition Stall prices for all Companies in E.A.C: Special & Unique Cases within All rates are 18% VAT Exclusive. E.A.C Ugandan Case: Shops in Container Village, Nakasero, 500,000 Venue: Mestil Hotel & Residence, Nsambya Katwe, Sawuri Yako, Owino, Descriptions Ugandan Shillings. Small Upcountry firms etc Government Ministries + Corporates like Banks etc. 5,000,000 International Date: 28th November 2019 Medium Companies 4,000,000 Exhibitors 6,000,000 Other options Co - International Exhibitor 1,500,000 Time: 12:00 noon Small Companies 2,000,000 E.A.C Co - Exhibitor Smaller Companies 1,000,000 500,000 Invited are all genuine contractors and all other MTN +256 787 424522, AIRTEL +256 757 424522, +256 772 480931, +256 757 726894, +256 704 677087 stake-holders of the mighty Construction industry. Emails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], P.O. BOX 1518, Kampala – Uganda - East Africa.. Ham Towers – 3rd Floor – Nussu Business Centre – Office F307 - Opposite Makerere University –Main Gate - Wandegeya – Kampala –Uganda – East Africa

8*$1'$$662&,$7,212)&2168/7,1*(1*,1((56 Young Professionals Forum (YPF) 2019 UNABCEC 26th AGM UNABCEC informs her members The annual YPs Social Networking Event. that the 26th Annual General Meeting will take place on Opportunities for event sponsors are now available! 28th November 2019. Venue: Mestil Hotel & Residence, Nsambya

For more information: Time: 9:00 am Tel: +256 414 342-536, +256 787 274424 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Web: www.uace.or.ug

56 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG CELEBRATING 11 YEARS TOGETHER We measure our success by success of our partners We deliver

Ruzairwe bridge on Pacwa-Kyebando- Kibaale road

Swamp treatment works on Mubende-Kakumiro-Kagadi road project

Mitaano bridge

Contributing to success of Uganda National Roads Authority since 2008

Visit us at www.armpass.co.ug to know more about our projects

www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG september, 2019           

4 september, 2019 www.unabcec.co.ug UNABCEC UNABCEC_UG