SEMBULE STEEL MILLS: A LEGACY OF INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Introduction
Sembule Steel Mills, located at Plot 1, Nalukolongo Industrial Area, stands as a testament to the vision and resilience of its founder, Christopher Columbus Sembuya. His journey from a civil servant to an industrialist revolutionized Uganda’s manufacturing industry, particularly in steel production.
The Genesis of Sembule Steel Mills
In the late 1960s, Christopher Columbus Sembuya made a bold decision to leave his position as an officer in the Budgeting Department of the Ministry of Finance. This move surprised his colleagues and superiors alike. Sembuya’s motivation stemmed from a conversation with his father, Yafesi Magulu, “what would you like to become?” his father asked, “a permanent secretary or a Minister”, answered Sembuya. His father, however, dismissed the idea, stating, “You will never catch up with me.”
Inspired by this interaction, Sembuya resigned from the Ministry of Finance to pursue private business. He soon realized that his late mother, Lakeri, had left behind a piece of land in Lukooto, Ndeeba. With the support of his maternal uncles, he acquired the land and shared his business vision with his brothers, Mayanja and Henry Wilberforce Buwule. Together, they established Ndeeba Hardware Retail Shop, a venture that later marked the beginning of Sembule Steel Mills.
While Mayanja later moved on to other opportunities, Henry Wilberforce Buwule remained dedicated to growing Ndeeba Hardware. Their first acquisition was an old nail-making machine, which they used to produce and sell nails at a very minimal quantity alongside cement. As an experienced worker in the finance department, Sembuya had big ideas for growing his business. He had chosen steel as his product and he embarked on manufacturing not only importation. After acquiring new machines from Germany, he bought land in Nalukolongo and invited his brother Henry Wilberforce Buwule to be his business partner. Sembuya rewarded Henry Buwule for his devotion, hard work and commitment. As partners they formed “Sembule” joining their two names together Sembuya and Buwule. A new factory in steel was established at Plot 1, Nalukolongo Industrial Area.
Expansion and Development
Between 1971 and 2001, Christopher Columbus Sembuya expanded Sembule Steel Mills into a major player in Uganda’s steel industry. Having trained with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., he possessed a high-level understanding of financial management and budgeting.
Sembuya leveraged his expertise to build strategic relationships with financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Uganda and commercial banks. As an importer, he maintained strong connections with foreign exchange control departments and collaborated with other industry leaders such as Uganda Baati and Casements. Additionally, he established partnerships with construction firms like Roko Construction Uganda and Nalin of Kenya. Frequent business trips to India further exposed him to advanced manufacturing techniques, which he incorporated into Sembule Steel Mills.
A key figure in his business network was K.C. Patel, the owner of Kikagati Shop in Kampala during the 1970s. These relationships played a crucial role in the company’s growth and development.
The Legacy and Future Vision
The Christopher Columbus Sembuya Foundation seeks to revive and promote the industrial growth philosophy championed by C. Sembuya. His story represents the determination of an African Ugandan entrepreneur who, alongside his team, transformed the steel manufacturing landscape from 1970 to 2022. His legacy serves as an inspiration for the current generation to invest in industrial development and contribute to economic growth.
Conclusion
Sembule Steel Mills remains a symbol of innovation, resilience, and strategic growth. The company’s journey underscores the importance of visionary leadership, financial literacy, and strategic partnerships in achieving industrial success. Through the Christopher Columbus Sembuya Foundation, the spirit of entrepreneurship and industrial expansion continues to thrive, paving the way for future generations to build on this remarkable legacy.
This story was from the face to face conversation with Christopher Columbus Sembuya written by Rita Ddungu Sembuya.