Roofings unveils e-commerce platform, plans iron ore investment

2026-03-21 - 10:05

Roofings Group Uganda is preparing to invest in iron ore mining as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen domestic steel production and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. The plan was disclosed by Sikander Lalani, chairman of Roofings Group, during the launch of the company’s new e-commerce platform aimed at streamlining nationwide access to construction materials at competitive prices. Uganda is estimated to hold about 580 million tonnes of largely untapped iron ore reserves, predominantly high-grade hematite, located in the southwestern and eastern regions. While the export of raw iron ore remains prohibited, government policy prioritises value addition through local steel manufacturing. “There is a significant reserve of iron ore in Uganda. However, to process this resource effectively, we require a reducing agent,” Lalani said. He noted that the company currently sources reducing agents from Tanzania and South Africa, but underscored the potential for deeper local industrial integration. “Several projects are underway to mine iron ore and process it into long products, and eventually into flat steel products,” he added. Lalani revealed that Roofings Group is evaluating opportunities to acquire land with commercially viable iron ore deposits. Once mining rights are secured, the company plans to establish integrated operations to produce key steel inputs locally. “Our objective is to secure land with high-quality iron ore reserves. Once we obtain the necessary extraction rights, we will develop an integrated value chain to manufacture billets, coils and other essential steel products locally,” he said. He acknowledged that the scale of investment required is significant but expressed confidence in continued government support. “In the next four to five years, Uganda has the potential to establish a complete steel production ecosystem, driven by locally sourced raw materials,” Lalani said. Speaking about the newly launched e-commerce platform, Lalani said it is designed to enhance transparency and efficiency by ensuring customers receive verified product quality, accurate quantities and fair pricing without relying on intermediaries. He added that the platform will particularly benefit diaspora clients by offering a direct, secure and reliable procurement channel, placing greater control in the hands of customers. Lalani also commended the company’s internal teams for their collaboration in delivering the project and recognised Tech Mahindra for its technical expertise and support during the platform’s development.