KAMPALA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned a 13-million-U.S. dollar Chinese-owned marble factory in the remote northeastern part of the country.
Museveni, according to a State House statement issued here on Friday, commissioned the Sun Belt Mining Group Limited factory located in Moroto district on Thursday.
The factory employs 120 locals and produces marble floor, bathroom and kitchen tiles of all sizes. It is estimated that 560 million metric tons of marble are available in the area, according to government figures.
Museveni thanked the people in the region for embracing the disarmament program, which ushered in peace that has now led to the construction of factories.
The northeastern region, also known as Karamoja, was known for armed cattle raiding, which affected development in the area.
"I am very glad that when we advised you to remove the guns you listened and now you see what is happening. Industries are being constructed because of peace. So I thank you the people of Karamoja," Museveni said.
He noted that because of peace, the region is today witnessing a lot of development activities like tarmacking of major roads, availability of electricity and a booming constructing sector.
The president thanked the Chinese investors for coming to invest in Uganda, assuring them of many opportunities that exist in the country.
He assured them that their concerns that include the voltage of electricity to the factory will be addressed.
