Security operatives from ISO and Police stormed a cement adulteration factory in Tororo district, seizing over 700 bags of fake cement and arresting five suspects.
The racket, operating in TICAF Cell, Osukuru Town Council, was reportedly mixing fine dust with real cement before selling the substandard product across Tororo, Northern Uganda, Central Uganda, and even DR Congo.
Investigations show that just 50kg of real cement was being diluted with 500kg of dust, creating a weak and dangerous final product. Experts now fear that this could be a major cause of building collapses in the country!
Corrupt district officials and security officers are accused of taking bribes in cash and fuel to protect the illegal trade. Among the suspects arrested are Swaib Semakula, Henry Senfuka, Sayyid Rashid, Joseph Wabale and Frank Ainebyona
Tororo RDC Hajji Sadiq Bategana has vowed to shut down all remaining fake cement operations.
Meanwhile, more factories may be operating secretly along Mile 5 and Mile 8 on Mbale Road.
