Luwero, Uganda — What appeared to be an ordinary hardware shop in Kasana Market, Luwero Town Council, has turned out to be the center of a dangerous illegal trade—counterfeit cement production.
The discovery has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns over the safety of buildings constructed with potentially substandard materials.
Police say the operation, busted on the morning of Saturday, April 5, 2025, could have endangered thousands of lives through the distribution of fake cement masquerading as trusted brands like Tororo, Hima, and Fundi.
Two suspects—Onyango Ronald and Mutesasira Dauda—were arrested after a raid led by the District Police Commander and supported by officers from CID, DISO, and SOCO.
They reportedly recovered bags of suspected fake cement, empty branded sacks, and sacks filled with mysterious gray powder believed to be the raw materials for the counterfeit mixture.
The police also searched the suspect’s residence in Kalongo Zone, where more evidence was found, pointing to a well-coordinated and deliberate effort to mimic established cement brands and deceive the public.
Experts say counterfeit cement weakens the structural integrity of buildings, making them prone to cracks, collapse, and complete failure even under normal usage.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has been informed, and the affected companies have been contacted to assist in the investigation.
Samples have been sent for lab testing, and results will determine the next course of legal action.
With Uganda’s construction sector booming, the discovery of this illegal operation is a wake-up call to regulatory bodies and consumers alike.
The incident underscores the urgent need for tighter oversight, stiffer penalties for counterfeiters, and public education on identifying genuine construction materials.
Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests could follow as police dig deeper into what may be a broader network of economic sabotage.
More details to follow…………………………………………………