Major milestone for Uganda’s oil and gas sector as Bro-Group subsidiary launches ambitious logistics hub in Albertine region
Hoima City witnessed a historic moment as Threeways Shipping Services (G) Limited, a subsidiary of the Bro-Group, officially broke ground for their new inland terminal facility at the Bulemwa Site. The ceremony, attended by high-profile stakeholders and government officials, marks a significant investment in Uganda’s growing oil and gas infrastructure.
Vision for Regional Development
The groundbreaking ceremony showcased the company’s ambitious vision through a three-minute video presentation highlighting the terminal’s strategic importance. Speaking through a video message, Oscar Baitwa, Managing Director and Co-founder of Threeways Shipping Services, outlined the project’s evolution from its humble beginnings in 1996 to the current expansion phase.
“For this facility site, we started with securing seven acres in 2012 and have grown strategically over time,” Baitwa explained. “This facility represents more than just a logistics hub – it’s a Ugandan project designed to benefit all Ugandans and support the ever-growing oil and gas sector in our region.”
Comprehensive Service Hub
The Hoima Inland Terminal is designed as a multi-purpose facility featuring several key components:
- Customs and URA offices for streamlined import-export operations
- Advanced storage and warehouse facilities
- Refrigeration and cargo management systems
- Health and safety compliance infrastructure
- Open invitation for complementary services from other operators
Located strategically within Hoima’s Industrial Zone, the facility spans 25-30 acres and positions the city as a crucial logistics gateway for the Albertine region’s oil and gas operations.
Economic Impact and Employment
The project promises substantial economic benefits for the region. During construction, the facility will employ approximately 450 people, transitioning to 350 operational staff once fully functional. This adds to Threeways Shipping Services’ existing workforce of over 400 employees across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, with a significant concentration now based in the Albertine region.
Baitwa emphasized the company’s commitment to local capacity building, noting extensive internship programs and training initiatives in the emerging oil and gas sector. The company has established working relationships with major industry players including CNOOC, EACOP, Total Energies, and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU).
Government and Stakeholder Support
The ceremony attracted prominent figures including Kabagambe Kaliisa, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Hoima City Mayor-Brian Kaboyo, Bro-Group Chairman Hannington Karuhanga, Petroleum Authority of Uganda representatives, and various representatives from the region.
Former PS Kaliisa, serving as chief guest, praised the project’s alignment with Uganda’s development agenda. He highlighted the facility’s six key components and emphasized its role in the service sector supporting oil and gas operations.
“This project fits perfectly with our country’s social and economic development agenda,” Karisa stated. “It’s a pioneer project of its kind that supports what the President always emphasizes – commercial agriculture, ICT development, and the service sector.”
Long-term Strategic Vision
Kaliisa reminded attendees of Uganda’s significant oil reserves, noting the discovery of 6.8 billion barrels with only 6% currently being exploited. He called for increased investment in the sector, emphasizing that fossil fuel reliance will continue for at least the next 50 years despite environmental concerns.
“For a country to attain good social economic development, we need a well-developed oil, gas and energy sector,” he explained. “Supporting this sector means supporting the growth and development of our country.”
Chairman’s Vision: A Journey of Strategic Growth
Board Chairman Hannington Karuhanga reflected on Threeways Shipping Services (G) Ltd’s remarkable transformation from a modest startup to a major player in Uganda’s logistics sector. Speaking at the ceremony, Karuhanga emphasized how the company’s growth trajectory perfectly aligns with national development priorities.
“When the founders started this journey, they envisioned building something that would serve not just our business interests, but Uganda’s broader development agenda,” Karuhanga stated. “Today, we see that vision materializing as we break ground on a facility that embodies local content development and sustainable economic growth.”
The Chairman highlighted how Threeways’ evolution demonstrates the power of local enterprise in driving national development. From its founding through strategic expansions, the company has consistently prioritized employing and supporting local populations, creating a model for sustainable business growth that benefits entire communities.
“Our commitment goes beyond creating jobs – we’re building local capacity, transferring skills, and ensuring that Ugandans are at the center of their own development story,” Karuhanga explained. “This facility represents our belief that local content isn’t just about compliance; it’s about empowerment and sustainable development.”
Local Community Integration
Hoima City Mayor delivered a particularly poignant message to local residents, emphasizing community ownership of the development process. “To you locals, your oil is not just in Kingfisher or Tilenga – it’s in your fruit farms, your gardens, your plantations, and everything you supply for consumption in Hoima today,” the Mayor declared.
The community rallied in numbers, attended the ceremony, to witness what has steadily become symbols of community growth.
Abwooli Kansime said-“We appreciate that this company has stood with us since they fully established the company. Our sons and daughters are employed here, and because of empowering my children, our family doesn’t lack.”
Atugonza Moses, a youth from Hoima City said he looks forward to joining the company as a driver. “This dream is unfolding before our eyes. To be part of it would be a dream come true,” he said.
Resilience and National Pride
The former PS also acknowledged the challenges faced by Bro-Group, including competition from international firms. He praised the company’s resilience and called for continued support of Ugandan enterprises in the sector.
“There was a threat from a Kenyan firm trying to replace Bro-Group, but we must support our own,” Karisa emphasized, highlighting the importance of promoting local capacity in strategic sectors.
Conclusion and the echoes of the community
The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with all invited guests and dignitaries participating in the symbolic ground-breaking moment, marking the official commencement of construction for what promises to be a transformative infrastructure project for the Albertine region.
Jeff Baitwa-Director at Bro-group said-“Threeways Shipping Services and Bro-Group are vehicles of a Ugandan facility and project designed for every Ugandan.” The Hoima Inland Terminal represents not just a business venture, but a strategic national asset positioned to serve Uganda’s energy sector ambitions for decades to come. The facility is expected to begin operations within the next phase of Uganda’s oil and gas development timeline, positioning Hoima City as a crucial logistics hub for the region’s energy future.
