Uganda Baati Limited was established in 1964 and is a member of Safal Group, the largest steel roofing & building solutions provider in Africa. True Golfer Plus talks to Uganda Baati’s Business Head/CEO, Mr. George Arodi, about the history, growth, and future of Uganda’s premier roofing materials manufacturing enterprise…

1.      Who is Mr. George Arodi? What is your training and work background that you are employing as the Business Head/Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Baati Ltd? What management style are you applying to motivate staff and push Uganda Baati to the next level?

I am a seasoned professional with a background in Economics & Business management, with a wealth of over 25 years experience in the steel & construction industry. I have served in various capacities in the different Safal Group’s business operations that include Mabati Rolling Mills in Kenya where I served for over 10 years, Ethiopian Steel ESPLC for 7 years and now been at the helm of Uganda Baati for the last 6years.

As the CEO, I offer strategic direction, transformational leadership, and technical expertise in building solutions to drive the company’s innovation and overall growth. Regarding the management style employed at Uganda Baati, I have fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, transparency and employee empowerment. I believe in recognizing and nurturing talent within the organization, creating opportunities for growth and development. Through open communication and transparent leadership, I am able to motivate staff to take ownership of their roles and work towards the collective goal of pushing Uganda Baati to new heights.

2.      Please take us through the range of building solutions you provide at Uganda Baati Limited.

At Uganda Baati Limited, we offer a comprehensive range of building solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our product portfolio includes premium stone coated steel roof tiles, durable roofing tiles that include Romantile®, Versatile® and Orientile®. We have SAFBUILD, our eco-friendly prefabricated building structures alongside UltraSpan, our steel trussing system, and other innovative accessories that cater for insulation and fasteners. Additionally, we provide high-quality steel building materials, such as rebars, wire nails, fascia boards, door frames and mild steel plates, to support various construction requirements.

3.      What strategic innovations are you implementing to give Uganda Baati a competitive edge over other industry players?

To maintain a competitive edge, Uganda Baati continually focuses on strategic innovations. We invest in market research and product development, exploring cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to enhance our products’ basket. Additionally, we prioritize customer feedback and market insights to tailor our offerings to the evolving customer needs. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we stay ahead of the competition and deliver superior building solutions to our customers.

4.      Tell us about the new product you are launching and its salient benefits to the market.

Our latest product launch is the Lifestile premium stone coated roof tiles. Lifestile is a revolutionary roofing solution that combines the strength of steel with the elegance of stone coating. It offers exceptional longevity, it is light weight, and with superior weather resistance, making it an ideal choice for discerning homeowners seeking a high-end roofing solution. Lifestile’s unique design and variety of profiles and colors allow customers to express their individual styles while enjoying the benefits of a premium roofing material.

Lifestile’s durability and longevity surpass traditional clay roofing materials. Its steel core and stone coating ensure resistance to cracking, fading, and warping, even in challenging weather conditions. To back our product’s performance, Uganda Baati provides a 50 year warranty, giving homeowners confidence in their investment. From luxury villas to high-end residential buildings, our premium stone coated roof tiles have left a lasting impression on customers and industry professionals alike. Testimonials from satisfied clients demonstrate how Lifestile® enhances the overall appeal and elegance of their structures.

5.      What markets are you serving and how much market share do you control in the industry?

Uganda Baati serves both the domestic and iregional markets. Within Uganda, we have established a strong presence as the premium provider of quality buildingsolutions, capturing a significant market share over the years with close to 60 years of operation. Our products are well-received across the East African region and beyond, contributing to our growing market share. Our key market channels include: Distribution which caters to our hardware dealers network across the country thus making our products available to the end users. We have 13 showrooms located in the key towns and we also serve the corporate and projects segments through interfacing with industry professionals. Our e-channel shop.ugandabaati.com is also available to offer convenience to the busy and yet digital savvy customers.

6.      Uganda Baati is the premium provider of quality roofing solutions in Uganda spanning close to 60 years. How have you survived the difficult times? What is your secret?

Uganda Baati’s longevity and resilience can be attributed to our unwavering commitment to delivering superior quality products and services. We have adapted to changing market demands and industry trends, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant and yet innovative. Our customer-centric approach, emphasis on employee development, and ethical and compliant business practices have earned us the trust and loyalty of our customers over the years, enabling us to weather the difficult times and emerge as a market leader.

7.      What is your customer service philosophy?

Customer Focus is one of our core values as a business. At Uganda Baati, our customer service philosophy revolves around putting the customer at the center of everything we do. We strive to provide quality products, timely assistance, and reliable sales support to ensure our customers have a seamless experience with our products. Our customer service team is trained to listen to customer feedback, address concerns promptly, and exceed expectations in delivering building solutions that add value to our clients.

8.      What CSR activities does Uganda Baati support as a way of giving back to the community?

As part of our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), Uganda Baati actively supports various community development initiatives. Firstly, we engage in initiatives that promote Education, Healthcare, Shelter, and Environmental protection, thus contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we serve. We prioritize sustainable practices in our manufacturing processes, minimizing our environmental impact Our CSR activities are an integral part of our mission to create a positive and lasting impact beyond business endeavors.

We have undertaken various interventions under the 4 pillars of our CSR and over the years we have roofed several schools, sheltered orphanages, supported hospitals, and contributed to afforestation efforts by participating in tree planting activities. We have two medical clinics located in Kampala and Tororo to serve the neighboring communities by providing subsidized healthcare.

9.      Where do we see Uganda Baati in next decade?

In the next decade, we envision Uganda Baati as a global leader in providing innovative and sustainable building solutions. We will continue to expand our market presence, exploring new territories and strengthening our position in existing markets. With a focus on research and development, we aim to introduce more cutting-edge products that cater to emerging construction trends. Moreover, our commitment to customer satisfaction, employee empowerment, and environmental responsibility will remain steadfast as we strive to be at the forefront of the construction industry in Uganda and beyond.