Kansai Plascon Uganda has called for stronger collaboration among manufacturers, hardware dealers, government and other players in Uganda’s construction sector to address challenges affecting the industry.
The call was made during the 2026 Construction Hardware Dealers Association (CHADA) Annual Conference, held on September 18 and 19 at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo.
The two-day conference brought together hardware dealers, manufacturers, financial institutions, government officials and other stakeholders across the construction value chain to discuss issues including taxation, counterfeit products, access to affordable working capital, transport costs, rising material prices, business formalisation and local manufacturing.
Kansai Plascon Uganda sponsored the conference, which provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways of improving the operating environment and strengthening businesses within the construction sector.
Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Gen. Mbasu Mbadi, who officiated at the conference, urged industry players to improve organisation and cooperation to enable the private sector to engage government more effectively.
He said stronger organisation could help businesses improve standards, strengthen service delivery and present industry concerns to government with a unified voice.
Taxation was also among the key issues discussed, with government officials highlighting ongoing efforts to examine the tax environment and address areas where taxes may overlap. They also emphasised the role of taxation in financing public services and national infrastructure.
Minister of State for Finance (General Duties) Amos Lugoloobi urged industry players to view construction as an investment that generates economic activity across several sectors.
He noted that developments such as homes, schools, warehouses and factories create demand for construction materials, labour and related services, generating opportunities throughout the value chain.
Daniel Kayongo, Head of Marketing at Kansai Plascon Uganda, said collaboration among stakeholders was necessary to address challenges facing the 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,” Kayongo 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.”
During the conference, Kansai Plascon also showcased some of its paint technologies, including a colour-matching solution that the company says can reproduce a desired colour with up to 99.5 per cent matching accuracy.
The technology allows customers to present 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 can then be analysed and matched against the Plascon colour system before the colour is reproduced.
Kayongo said the technology was intended to help dealers respond to customers seeking specific colours.
“Our investment in technology is about making it easier for our dealers to serve their customers,” he 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.”
Counterfeit and substandard construction materials were also highlighted as a concern during the conference. Participants said such products undermine legitimate businesses, affect consumer confidence and can compromise standards in the construction industry.
Stakeholders called for closer cooperation among manufacturers, dealers, regulators and government agencies to strengthen quality assurance and protect consumers.
The conference also highlighted opportunities presented by Uganda’s continued demand for housing and infrastructure, including investment, local manufacturing, job creation and business expansion.
Kansai Plascon said continued cooperation between manufacturers, distributors and hardware dealers would be important as the construction industry grows.
During the conference, Gen. Mbadi toured exhibition stands, including the Kansai Plascon Uganda stand, where the company showcased its paint products and colour-matching technology.
Other manufacturers and suppliers at the exhibition displayed products and services covering areas such as roofing, electrical supplies, paint and other construction materials.
Kansai Plascon said its participation in the CHADA Annual Conference forms part of its engagement with hardware dealers and other stakeholders in Uganda’s construction sector.
