For decades, Hima Cement has been the silent force behind Uganda’s most transformative infrastructure projects. From the majestic Source of the Nile Bridge to the high-speed Entebbe-Kampala Expressway, from the roaring crowds at Mandela National Stadium to the mighty turbines of Karuma Dam, the company’s cement has literally built the backbone of modern Uganda. In an exclusive interview, Philemon Mubiru, Head of Innovation and Marketing at Hima Cement, shares insights into how the company has contributed to national development while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability and national pride.

When asked what it means for Hima Cement to be part of landmark projects like the Source of the Nile Bridge and Entebbe-Kampala Expressway, Mubiru’s response radiates with pride. He explains that these projects represent more than just physical structures – they symbolize Uganda’s progress and development. Being the cement provider for such transformative infrastructure is both an honor and a validation of the company’s commitment to quality. These bridges, roads and stadiums will stand for generations as testaments to Ugandan engineering excellence, with Hima Cement literally mixed into their foundations.

The conversation naturally turns to Hima Cement’s flagship products – PowerPlus and PowerMax – which have become the go-to choice for Uganda’s most demanding construction projects. Mubiru describes these as technical cement brands engineered for superior performance. What makes them special is their excellent workability, exceptional strength development, and enhanced durability – qualities absolutely essential for large-scale infrastructure. The ability of these cement products to flow easily during placement while setting reliably ensures that construction meets the highest engineering standards, whether for a massive dam or a national stadium.

Quality assurance emerges as a recurring theme in the discussion. Mubiru explains Hima Cement’s rigorous quality control processes that maintain consistency from raw material selection to final product testing. The company aligns its production not just with Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) requirements but also international benchmarks. This meticulous attention to quality is what gives Hima Cement products their reputation for unmatched strength and durability, whether in the pressure-resistant structures of Karuma Dam or the high-traffic surfaces of Namboole Stadium.

The economic impact of these infrastructure projects becomes another focal point. Mubiru reflects on how projects like the Entebbe Expressway have transformed Uganda’s economic landscape by improving connectivity, reducing transportation costs, and opening trade corridors. Better infrastructure attracts foreign investment, boosts tourism, and creates employment opportunities – all contributing to sustainable national growth. In this context, Hima Cement’s role extends beyond construction materials to being an enabler of broader economic development.

Sustainability forms a crucial part of the discussion. Mubiru shares how Hima Cement integrates environmental best practices into its operations and products. The company uses alternative fuels like biomass to substitute up to 50% of its fossil fuel needs for thermal energy. It has also developed four green cement products in its portfolio, incorporating clinker substitution to reduce carbon footprint. For large projects, the company supplies bulk cement to eliminate plastic packaging waste, while also promoting cement bag recycling. These initiatives demonstrate how Hima Cement balances construction needs with environmental responsibility.

The conversation turns philosophical when discussing Hima Cement’s brand promise: ‘Part of you from the start.’ Mubiru explains this as representing the company’s role in Uganda’s entire development journey. From roads that connect communities to dams that power industries and homes, Hima Cement has been present at every stage of national progress. The company doesn’t just sell cement – it helps build the foundation for Uganda’s future, quite literally mixed into the country’s growth story.

When asked to pick a standout project that best symbolizes Hima Cement’s legacy, Mubiru finds it difficult to choose just one. Each project holds special significance – the Masindi-Tangi-Para road that unlocked tourism potential in Murchison Falls, the Jinja Nile Bridge that improved regional connectivity. But ultimately, he points to Karuma Hydroelectric Dam as the crowning achievement. This massive infrastructure project doesn’t just represent construction excellence; it powers industries, lights up communities, and stands as a testament to how infrastructure can catalyze national progress.

As the interview concludes, it becomes clear that Hima Cement’s story is intertwined with Uganda’s development narrative. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability has made it more than just a cement manufacturer – it has become a partner in nation building. From the products it develops to the projects it supplies, Hima Cement continues to lay the foundation for Uganda’s growth, one iconic structure at a time.

Looking to the future, Hima Cement remains committed to supporting Uganda’s infrastructure development while embracing sustainable practices. The company stands ready to supply the materials needed for the next generation of transformative projects – projects that will continue shaping Uganda’s landscape and improving lives across the country. In this way, Hima Cement ensures it will remain ‘part of you from the start’ as Uganda builds its future.

The legacy continues as Hima Cement maintains its position at the forefront of Uganda’s construction industry, combining technical expertise with national pride. Each bag of cement, each bulk delivery, each innovative product represents another building block in Uganda’s ongoing development story – a story that Hima Cement is proud to help write, one project at a time.