Security operatives from the Internal Security Organization (ISO) and Uganda Police Force have dismantled a cement adulteration factory in Tororo district, confiscating over 700 bags of counterfeit cement and arresting five suspects.
The operation, carried out in TICAF Cell, Osukuru Town Council, followed intelligence reports that fake cement was being manufactured by mixing fine dust from Busoga with original Tororo Cement.
Investigations revealed that 50kg of genuine cement was being diluted with 500kg of fine dust before being distributed across Tororo, Northern and Central Uganda, and even the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Authorities suspect that some district officials and security officers were complicit, allegedly receiving monthly “tokens” of UGX 400,000 and 200 liters of fuel to allow the illegal trade to continue. In response, an independent investigator, Milton Birungi, has been assigned to handle the case.
Tororo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hajji Sadiq Bategana condemned the illegal trade, warning that it could be contributing to Uganda’s growing number of building collapses.
Meanwhile, officials believe that additional adulteration centers may be operating along Mile 5 and Mile 8 on Mbale Road. The seized cement has been transported to Tororo Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Arrested Suspects include; Swaib Semakula, Henry Senfuka, Sayyid Rashid , Joseph Wabale and Frank Ainebyona.