Construction sector urged to unite against counterfeit goods, rising costs

Uganda’s construction industry has been urged to strengthen collaboration among manufacturers, hardware dealers and government to tackle counterfeit products, rising material costs, taxation challenges and limited access to affordable financing.

The call was made during the 2026 Construction Hardware Dealers Association (CHADA) Annual Conference held at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo, where industry players also explored ways of using technology and innovation to improve services across the construction value chain.

The two-day conference, held on September 18 and 19, brought together hardware dealers, manufacturers, financial institutions, government officials and other players in the sector.

Participants identified counterfeit construction materials, transport costs, rising input prices, taxation, access to working capital, business formalisation and the need to strengthen local manufacturing among the challenges affecting the industry.

Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Gen Mbasu Mbadi, who officiated at the conference, called for greater organisation among industry players to enable them to engage government more effectively.

He said stronger cooperation could help businesses improve standards, strengthen service delivery and present their concerns to government with a unified voice.

Taxation was also discussed, with government officials pointing to ongoing efforts to examine the tax environment and address areas where taxes may overlap.

They, however, emphasised that taxation remains important in financing public services and national infrastructure.

Minister of State for Finance (General Duties) Amos Lugoloobi urged construction players to view developments in the sector as investments capable of stimulating activity across the wider economy.

He said construction projects, ranging from homes and schools to warehouses and factories, create demand for materials, labour and related services, generating business opportunities across the value chain.

The conference also provided an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase technologies aimed at responding to changing customer demands.

Kansai Plascon Uganda, which sponsored the conference, demonstrated its colour-matching technology that enables customers to reproduce a desired colour with up to 99.5 per cent matching accuracy.

The technology allows customers to take a colour sample, such as a piece of fabric or an existing paint chip, to an authorised Plascon dealer equipped with a tinting machine.

The sample is analysed and matched against the Plascon colour system before the desired colour is reproduced within minutes.

Daniel Kayongo, head of marketing at Kansai Plascon Uganda, said the technology is intended to help hardware dealers offer additional services while giving customers greater convenience and confidence when choosing paint colours.

“Our investment in technology is about making it easier for our dealers to serve their customers,” Kayongo said.

“A customer may walk into a hardware shop with a particular colour they want to reproduce. With the right Plascon technology and tinting equipment, that dealer can provide an accurate solution within a matter of minutes.”

Kayongo said manufacturers, dealers and government needed to work together to address challenges affecting the construction sector.

“We are proud to have sponsored the CHADA Conference and to be part of conversations that are important to the future of Uganda’s construction industry,” he said.

“The challenges facing the sector cannot be addressed by manufacturers, dealers or government working independently. Partnerships across the value chain are critical to improving standards, strengthening businesses and ultimately delivering better solutions to customers.”

Counterfeit construction materials emerged as another major concern, with participants warning that substandard products undermine legitimate businesses, consumer confidence and quality standards.

Industry players called for closer cooperation between manufacturers, dealers, regulators and government agencies to strengthen quality assurance and protect consumers.

With demand for housing and infrastructure continuing to grow, participants said the construction industry presents opportunities for investment, local manufacturing, employment and business expansion.

Plascon said stronger relationships between manufacturers, distributors and hardware dealers would become increasingly important as the industry expands.

Gen Mbadi also toured exhibition stands during the conference, including the Kansai Plascon Uganda stand, where the company showcased its paint products, colour technology and other innovations.

Other manufacturers and suppliers exhibited products covering roofing, electrical, paint and other construction categories.

Kansai Plascon Uganda said its sponsorship of the CHADA conference forms part of its broader effort to work with hardware dealers and other industry stakeholders to strengthen Uganda’s construction sector.

The company said continued investment in innovation, dealer partnerships and customer-focused solutions would support a more professional, competitive and sustainable construction industry.

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