Hoima City marked a significant milestone with the official commencement of construction for a substantial new inland logistics terminal. Developed by Threeways Shipping Services (G) Limited, part of the Bro-Group conglomerate, the facility at the Bulemwa Site promises to transform the region's economic landscape.
The groundbreaking ceremony, graced by senior government figures and industry stakeholders, signifies a major investment in Uganda's burgeoning energy infrastructure. Oscar Baitwa, Managing Director and Co-founder of Threeways Shipping Services, highlighted the project's evolution in a video address. "Our journey began modestly in 1996," Baitwa stated, "Securing the initial seven acres for this specific site back in 2012 laid the foundation for this strategic expansion."
Strategic Hub for the Albertine Region
Spanning 25-30 acres within Hoima's Industrial Zone, the terminal is engineered as a multi-purpose logistics center. Key features include dedicated offices for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and customs to streamline import-export procedures, advanced warehousing and storage solutions, specialized refrigeration units, robust cargo management systems, and comprehensive health and safety infrastructure
The facility also plans to integrate complementary services from other operators. This positioning establishes Hoima as the vital logistics nexus for the Albertine region's oil and gas activities.
"This facility transcends being merely a logistics hub," Baitwa emphasized. "It's fundamentally a Ugandan initiative built to benefit all citizens and bolster our expanding oil and gas industry."
Economic Catalyst and Job Creation
The project is projected to deliver substantial economic advantages. Approximately 450 workers will be employed during the construction phase, scaling down to around 350 permanent operational staff once the terminal is fully functional. This significantly boosts Threeways' existing workforce of over 400 employees across East Africa, with a growing concentration in the Albertine Graben.
Baitwa further stressed the company's dedication to fostering local expertise through extensive internship programs and specialized training initiatives tailored to the oil and gas sector. Threeways has established operational partnerships with key industry entities such as CNOOC, TotalEnergies, and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU).
Government and Local Endorsement
The ceremony garnered support from prominent attendees, including Kabagambe Karisa, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo, Bro-Group Chairman Hannington Karuhanga, and PAU representatives. Former PS Karisa lauded the terminal's alignment with Uganda's national development strategy.
"This initiative perfectly complements our country's socio-economic goals," Karisa declared, identifying its pioneering role in supporting critical sectors like commercial agriculture, ICT, and services, as championed by national leadership. He also highlighted Uganda's vast oil reserves – 6.8 billion barrels discovered, with only 6% currently tapped – advocating for increased investment despite global environmental discussions, noting fossil fuels' anticipated relevance for decades. Karisa also commended Bro-Group's resilience against international competition, urging continued backing for domestic enterprises.
Bro-Group Chairman Hannington Karuhanga reflected on Threeways' transformation from a startup to a logistics leader. "Our founders envisioned contributing directly to Uganda's progress," Karuhanga noted. "This terminal embodies that vision, focusing on local content, empowerment, and sustainable growth, not just job creation."
Mayor Kaboyo addressed local residents, redefining the concept of regional wealth: "Your resources extend beyond the oilfields to your farms, gardens, and local produce supplying Hoima. Engage actively in this development." Jeff Baitwa, Bro-Group Director, echoed the national focus, calling Threeways and Bro-Group "vehicles of a Ugandan facility designed for every Ugandan."
A Symbol of Community Aspiration
Viewed as a strategic national asset, the Hoima Inland Terminal is slated to become operational during Uganda's next oil development phase, cementing Hoima's status as a pivotal logistics center. Strong community turnout at the ceremony underscored local enthusiasm. Moses Atugonza, a Hoima youth, expressed widespread aspiration: "Witnessing this dream materialize is incredible. Being part of it would be the ultimate opportunity."
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