Supporting Oil and Gas Extraction in Uganda
World Business Journal talks to Geoffrey Bihamaiso Baitwa, Group Managing Director of BRO Group, covering the company’s evolution from a logistics provider to Ugandans overseas to a major player in the Ugandan oil and gas exploration support sector.
How has BRO Group evolved since its inception as Threeway Shipping?
In 1991, Threeway Shipping launched in the UK, offering Ugandans door-to-door repatriation logistics services and pound-to-shilling forex and money transfer.
We initially transported goods by air to Africa but transitioned to shared container sea freight via Mombasa when this got too expensive.
In 1996, we introduced an import-export service between Uganda and Mombasa to meet regional demand.
In 2002, we founded Threeways Distribution and Transtrac, providing light and heavy transportation services before undertaking a 2019 corporate restructuring. This consolidated ownership into a holding company called the BRO Group.
How many trucks are currently in BRO Group’s fleet?
As of 2023, we have 70 heavy or light trucks and 20 to 30 lifting equipment units.
What are some of BRO Group’s ongoing engagements and projects?
Our presence is expanding significantly due to the resurgence of the oil and gas sector and we aim to capture up to 50 per cent of this business.
BRO Group has developed a new strategy, leveraging experience, value, and comprehensive turnkey solutions. We target infrastructure development and essential drilling services support for projects as these usually have a lifespan of up to seven years.
As a result, we have won several new contracts including the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects, collectively valued at over $40 million.
Does BRO Group have any ongoing partnerships or expansion initiatives?
We formed a JV with Grindrod Africa Logistics Mauritius and will together handle the surplus workload from our successful bids, enabling us to take on more work.
Is the group involved in any projects outside of the oil and gas sector?
We are pursuing projects in mining and are in discussions to provide solutions to a Chinese company we have previously worked with in Karamoja. These are related to clinker mining.
What are the latest technological deployments enhancing BRO Group’s operations?
We offer clients interactive technologies so clients can track their shipments in real time and access information about their cargo integrity.
How does BRO Group envision its emerging role in the logistics industry?
Through our offices in Tanzania and Kenya, we are strategically positioned to capitalize on regional developments in energy and mining, maintaining a special focus on oil and gas.
We also prioritize nurturing partnerships, such as the one we have with the South African company.
Looking ahead, what is the broader vision and trajectory that BRO Group aims to follow?
In addition to supporting energy and mining, we aim to re-engage in import-export services and door-to-door delivery.
Over the next two years, we plan to invest between $6-7 million (out of a total investment of $9 million) in a cargo terminal in Hoima. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this year, with the first phase set to be completed by the end of Q4.
Ultimately, BRO Group aims to become a listed company within five years.”