Uganda Baati celebrates 9 years of leadership under CEO George Arodi

George Arodi has completed nearly a decade at the helm of Uganda Baati, overseeing a period defined by industrial expansion and a pivot toward modern manufacturing techniques. 

Since taking the role of Chief Executive Officer nine years ago, Arodi has transitioned the firm into a dominant force within the East African roofing sector, focusing on quality control and the localisation of the supply chain.

Under Arodi’s direction, the company’s physical presence has increased to a network of more than 20 showrooms nationwide. 

This strategy aimed to decentralise access to construction materials, ensuring that regional markets receive the same standard of service as the capital. 

Beyond geographical reach, the CEO oversaw the diversification of the product line, moving the firm from a traditional supplier to a provider of varied architectural solutions. 

These changes coincided with an internal drive for operational efficiency, leveraging new technology to meet the rising demands of Uganda’s building industry.

Arodi’s leadership focused heavily on the "Build Uganda, Buy Uganda" ethos by investing in local talent and advanced machinery. 

The company reports that these investments directly bolstered job security and technical skills training for hundreds of employees. 

By fostering a corporate culture rooted in accountability and safety, Uganda Baati raised its production benchmarks to compete with international standards. This approach not only strengthened the company's balance sheet but also reinforced the stability of the broader manufacturing sector through consistent tax contributions and employment opportunities.

Away from the factory floor, the CEO directed resources toward corporate social responsibility, specifically targeting housing, education, and public infrastructure. 

Arodi maintains that a company’s success is intrinsically linked to the health of the community it serves. Reflecting on his nine-year milestone, he credited the workforce for the firm’s resilience. 

"Leadership is about empowering people and creating opportunities for growth," Arodi noted, adding that the focus remains on innovation and sustainable building practices as the company enters its next phase of development.