KAMPALA, Uganda – April 12, 2025
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has applauded the growing role of women in Uganda’s construction industry, commending companies like SMS Construction for their outstanding service and commitment to gender inclusion.
Speaking at the inaugural Women in Construction Symposium 2025 held at Kololo Independence Grounds, Mrs. Museveni praised the quality of work delivered by SMS Construction and other key players in the sector. Organized by the Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers, and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) in partnership with the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce (South Africa), the symposium marked a major milestone in promoting women’s participation in Uganda’s construction and infrastructure development.
“We believe in quality service delivery as a government, and SMS Construction, along with Steel & Tube, Roofings, Uganda Bati, Simba Cement, and others, have demonstrated that commitment under the guidance of UNABSEC,” the First Lady said. “I encourage you all to continue your good work. The government is ready to walk this journey with you.”
Under the theme “Levelling the Ground to Upscale Effective Participation of Women in Construction and Infrastructure Development,” the event emphasized the need to empower more women in engineering, surveying, project management, and other technical fields traditionally dominated by men.
Mrs. Museveni highlighted the importance of offering more job opportunities to women in the construction sector. “I have seen women engineers and quantity surveyors from SMS Construction and other companies, and I’m proud of their contributions. But their numbers are still low,” she remarked. “I call on all company directors to open more doors for women. They are equally capable of delivering high-quality services.”
UNABSEC President Kiara Binta Nkuranga, the association’s first female president, echoed the call for inclusivity. “We need to see women beyond roles like flag bearers and tea girls. It’s time to empower them as project managers, site engineers, and leaders,” she said.
Mrs. Nkuranga also announced the launch of the Women in Construction Uganda Chapter, a landmark initiative designed to support, mentor, and advocate for women professionals in the sector. “This chapter will serve as a one-stop centre for data collection and support systems to bridge existing gaps in women’s participation,” she added. “We want to ensure visibility and connectivity for women plumbers, welders, and other skilled workers.”
She further appealed to the First Lady to help make construction-related courses more attractive to young girls. “Your presence here, as the highest-ranking woman in the country, inspires confidence in this movement,” she said.
SMS Construction Director Ainea Ashaba expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s support and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality services while promoting gender equality.
“At SMS Construction, we are committed to excellence across Uganda and the East African region. We also pledge to continue offering opportunities to women in our industry,” said Ashaba. “We thank the Ugandan government for its unwavering support.”
The Women in Construction Symposium 2025 marks a significant step forward in redefining gender roles in Uganda’s construction sector and sets the stage for sustained efforts toward inclusivity and quality service.