In a demonstration of its commitment to occupational safety, the Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, one of eastern Uganda’s largest industrial hubs, has successfully carried out a large-scale fire drill involving thousands of employees.
The drill underscored the park’s ongoing emphasis on safeguarding its workforce as the facility continues to expand operations.
The industrial park, operated by the Tian Tang Group, is home to over 60 enterprises and employs nearly 10,000 workers. With such scale, robust emergency protocols are essential.
Dan Akampulira, Head of Safety for the Tian Tang Group, said the fire drill was a crucial opportunity to test the park’s safety infrastructure.
“This exercise allows us to test our systems and ensure that our employees know what to do in an emergency,” Akampulira said. “The safety of our team is our top priority.”
The fire drill, which took place ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work and World Labour Day, was conducted in collaboration with local authorities and safety experts. It was overseen by SP Rashid Kamayo, the local police fire officer, alongside specialists from the Center for Occupational Safety Uganda Limited (COSH).
Kamayo stressed the importance of such drills given the park’s size and complexity. “Regular fire drills are essential in a facility of this scale,” he noted. “This initial exercise already points to critical areas that need reinforcement, which is exactly what these simulations are meant to highlight.”
COSH consultants were tasked with evaluating the park’s preparedness, observing key elements such as evacuation procedures, accessibility and clarity of meeting points, and the effectiveness of emergency communication. Isaac Rugaba, CEO of COSH, commended the Tian Tang Group for its forward-thinking approach.
“Conducting such drills shows a responsible attitude towards the health and safety of their workers,” Rugaba said. “It provides a vital opportunity to assess existing procedures and implement necessary improvements.”
Chief consultant Badru Ssenfuka highlighted the strong cooperation between management and workers, noting the enthusiasm of employees during the drill. Observations also pointed to the need for clearer signage and increased frequency of refresher training sessions to keep preparedness levels high.
Within the industrial park, individual enterprises are also adopting strong safety cultures. UNISTEEL, a prominent steel production facility within the park, operates under a strict “zero compromise” safety policy due to the high-risk nature of the steel industry.
Okia Micah, a crane operator at UNISTEEL, described the rigorous pre-shift safety checks. “We stop operations immediately if any electrical instability is detected,” he said. “Every load is guided by ground personnel with constant communication via radios and alarms.”
UNISTEEL has established a multi-layered safety system that includes on-site first aid for minor incidents and quick referrals to nearby hospitals for more serious cases. Employees are also encouraged to report safety concerns through a designated office, with weekly reviews by senior management.
Ayub Mugudwa, General Supervisor at UNISTEEL, reinforced the importance of daily safety briefings and the provision of full personal protective equipment (PPE). “We ensure everyone on-site has the proper gear and understands the risks before beginning any task,” he said.
Other park tenants, such as Tianao Furniture, are also taking proactive safety measures. Manager Bikala Hashim said their protocols include the provision of PPE, monthly fire drills, and shift systems designed to avoid fatigue. Worker-led safety committees ensure that employee concerns are addressed promptly.
At the management level, the Tian Tang Group remains committed to exceeding national standards. Akampulira emphasized that the park’s investors view safety as integral to productivity and sustainable development.
“Our investors prioritise worker safety,” he said. “If we find any safety gaps, we take immediate action to fix them. Many of our companies aim to meet or surpass the requirements of Uganda’s Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2006.”
He added that while operational efficiency is important, it is never prioritized over the well-being of workers. “A healthy and safe workforce is essential to any meaningful growth,” he concluded.
The successful execution of the fire drill not only reaffirmed the park’s readiness to respond to emergencies but also positioned the Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park as a leading example in promoting occupational safety within Uganda’s growing industrial landscape.
