Kisoro Volcanic stones shifted focus to the production of building materials

Isaac Bagambisa

A remarkable economic transformation is unfolding in Kisoro district located in the southwestern part of Uganda, where what was once considered a barren “wasteland of volcanic stones” has been turned into a hub of economic activity. This change has been spearheaded by a visionary local investor, Mr. Mbonyee Baboo, a qualified engineer and native of the district. His innovative use of the district’s natural resources is not only changing the face of the area but also improving the livelihoods of local residents.

Mr. Baboo  recognized the untapped potential of the district’s abundant volcanic stone  reserves, especially given its strategic location bordering the countries of Rwanda  and Democratic Republic of Congo. Although the area is   known as a tourism destination, it had never fully harnessed its resources for economic gain until now.

These Lava stones look deferent in names of Rufumbira language that is Amakoro, Ibihungabuye na Imisimbwe are  black, jagged lava stones scattered across the hills of Kisoro district ,and  were seen as nothing more than an obstacle to farming or a material for building simple village homes.

Mbonyee, who has mastered and manufactured the building materials such as high-quality pavers, bricks, and tiles for building houses and fences from volcanic stones 

. “Even as a child, I told myself that one day I would find a way to make these stones productive,” he recalls

In 2024, Baboo took and braved the  first step toward realizing his  childhood dream. With his own hands, he built a machine capable of cutting and leveling lava stones into different sizes. He says that in a month he can save 20 million from this project and has  employed several  Youth to work in his project .

Just a year later, his vision has grown. Baboo now operates six machines and employs dozens of people in and around Kisoro. What started as a one-man operation has become a small but impactful industry that is changing lives in unexpected ways.

“Iam facing many challenges like enough and modern Machines, Shortage of Power, Labour, Poor Roads and shortage of resources and i appeal the government to support me   to improve on my project.” Baboo said

With the insurgencies in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo between the M23 Rebels and the government, he said that his business has stalled, as no trucks are currently allowed to cross the border despite the re-opening of the boarder. As a result, he has resorted to exporting finished products such as tiles, to Kenya instead.

He explained his vision, stating that with just 1000 US dollars in capital, he could employ over 1000 people. “The market demand exists, and iam seeking support to build a factory in Kisoro. The factory would not only create jobs but also add value to raw materials such as the plenty of volcanic stones in my district, turning them into finished products, which iam doing.” Mbonyee said

Mbonyee however decries unstable electricity supply which has largely affected his business hence calling upon government to assist by providing standard generators and excavators to break the stones. His business currently employs many people, and there is a ready market for his products.

Mr Abel Bizimana the Chairperson of the district acknowledged the significance of this development, stating, “Our district is rich in volcanic stones , but for years no one had stepped forward to create value from it. Mr. Mbonyee  has done something truly commendable. We urge the government to support his initiative by investing in standard machinery to help him scale up, as he currently operates with limited equipment.

He stressed that the benefits have already begun to show, noting that residents are now using the volcanic stones -based products to build distinctive and attractive homes.

Kwizera John, who recently constructed his house using the new materials, shared his experience: “The uniqueness of these volcanic stone -based structures is unmatched. Compared to traditional bricks, this material offers both aesthetic and practical advantages. Since many of these local investors start with minimal capital, they deserve greater support to expand their businesses.”

Mr Mbonyee   is a shining example of how resourcefulness, local knowledge, and strategic support can drive sustainable economic development turning overlooked natural resources into a catalyst for prosperity.

Muhamad Bugigi who deals in tourism said that they used to waste a lot of money on buying tiles and pavers but now he resorted to buy the lava stone tiles. He thanks  Baboo for discovering a treasure which have been hidden for all these years. He asks the government to support this factory so that he can produce many.

Even the soil produced as a byproduct of cutting lava stones is proving useful. Farmers now buy it as a natural fertilizer, increasing crop yields and reducing reliance on chemical inputs.

Land that once sat idle, heavy with rock and seemingly without purpose is now in demand. Some residents have even sold stony plots they couldn’t farm — and finally earned money from them.

Mr Baboo Mbonye is  one of the local investors who has helped transform Kisoro district, and with the right support, he could become a driving force for further development.

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