Uganda’s Bati celebrates 60th anniversary, launches foundation to improve livelihoods

go through Our Journalists

Uganda Baati Limited has launched the Safal Uganda Baati Foundation to celebrate 60 years of excellence in the building solutions industry. The anniversary celebration was officiated by the Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, and attended by industry leaders, government officials and dignitaries at the Kampala Serena Hotel Gardens last Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija congratulated Uganda Baati on its 60th anniversary and thanked the team for their tremendous contribution to the country’s development. “Uganda Baati has not only grown, but has also played a key role in the development of our construction industry. By providing high-quality roofing and building solutions, Uganda Baati has made a significant contribution to improving the state of infrastructure, which is a major driver of investment in the industry.

“This growth has not only created jobs, it has also supported the development of critical infrastructure across Uganda. Your products have played an important role in building homes, schools, hospitals and other facilities that are essential to improving the quality of life for Ugandans,” he said.

Reflecting on the company’s history, George Arodi, CEO of Balti Uganda, said: “Our 60-year journey is a testament to resilience, innovation and commitment to our customers and the communities we serve. Balti Uganda has evolved from a roofing sheet company to an integrated building solutions provider that meets the diverse needs of Uganda’s construction industry. This transformation was driven by our obsession with quality and our vision to support Uganda’s development.”

“Balti Uganda has played a key role in Uganda’s infrastructure development since the establishment of the steel plant in Tororo in 1964. From its humble beginnings, it has become a household name renowned for the quality and reliability of its building materials. Over the years, Balti Uganda has been an integral part of Uganda’s development story by supplying building materials to schools, hospitals, government buildings and homes across the country,” added Arodhi.

The event was filled with elegance and pageantry, showcasing innovative building solutions from Bati Uganda, a gathering of executives, and the company’s journey and milestones.

In his speech, Dr. Alan Shonubi, Chairman of the Board, said: “Bati Uganda’s success over the years is due to its continued investment in innovation and technology. The company continues to introduce cutting-edge products and solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of the construction industry. Therefore, as we celebrate Bati Uganda’s 60th anniversary, we respect our traditions while looking to the future with optimism and determination.”

Highlighting the importance of Uganda Bati in the construction industry, Minister of State for Industry, David Bahati, said: “Uganda Bati has consistently demonstrated leadership in the industry through innovation and quality. Their journey over the past 60 years has inspired many, showing that with dedication and a customer-centric approach, it is possible to achieve extraordinary results.”

The event was also attended by founders of the Safal Group, members of GMT and EXCO, who expressed their excitement over this remarkable achievement. “As we strive to improve the well-being of marginalized individuals and their communities by providing needs-based social protection and development programmes that maximize their socio-economic empowerment, the establishment of the Safal Uganda Baati Foundation is timely,” said Anders Lindgren, CEO of the Safal Group.

At the unveiling of the Safar Uganda Bhatti Foundation, Uganda Bhatti was praised for its commitment to sustainable development, which is deeply embedded in its operations and corporate ethos. As part of the Safar Group, the company has made significant progress in integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into its business strategy. Through its Safar Uganda Bhatti Foundation, the company has launched several initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of Ugandans and protecting the environment.

As part of the celebrations, Bati Uganda also recognized key stakeholders who have made important contributions to its success over the years. Awards presented at the ceremony recognized organizations such as the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda (PSFU), the Presidential CEO Forum, the State House Investor Protection Unit, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). These awards highlight how strong partnerships are essential to Bati Uganda’s continued growth and success.

“We have always believed that innovation is the key to staying competitive in the market,” explained Mr. Arodi. “Customers’ needs are constantly evolving and it is our responsibility to anticipate these changes and provide solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations. There have been several milestones in our journey, from expanding our product offering to include complete building solutions to adopting digital channels to make our products more accessible to our customers. The future looks even brighter as we explore new technologies and sustainable practices that will define the next chapter of our growth.”

The next phase of Baati Uganda’s development will focus on deepening its market presence, expanding its product portfolio and embracing digital transformation to enhance customer experience.

“Our vision for the future is clear,” said Dr. Alan Shonubi, Baati Uganda’s Chairman of the Board. “We will continue to innovate, push the boundaries of what’s possible in the construction industry, and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. The journey ahead is filled with opportunities, and we are ready to embrace them with the same tenacity and innovative spirit that has brought us to where we are today.”