Masons in different parts of Uganda have begun receiving their first cash payouts under Hima Cement’s Funamu Ne Hima loyalty promotion, just weeks after the campaign was rolled out nationwide.

The six-month promotion rewards masons with cash for every bag of Hima Multipurpose cement they open and register, marking a notable shift in how cement manufacturers engage with players in the construction sector. Instead of focusing incentives mainly on dealers, the campaign places masons, the end users, at the centre of the reward system.

Under the programme, each bag of Hima Multipurpose cement contains a unique code. Masons register through *204# or the Funamu app, submit the codes, and receive monthly cash payments once they meet the minimum submission threshold. Rewards are received at the end of each month after submitting at least ten codes.

In central Uganda, some masons say the payouts came as a surprise, confirming that the programme is operational and delivering on its promise. A mason in Mukono explained that the money received helped offset household expenses and motivated him to consistently register codes whenever he is on site.

In western Uganda, another mason noted that construction work can fluctuate depending on the season, and the additional income provided some financial relief during slower periods. In the north and eastern regions, masons similarly described the payouts as timely support that helped cover transport and daily work-related costs.

Beyond the financial benefit, several participants said the programme made them feel recognised by a company whose products they use daily. Many masons noted that such direct engagement from a cement manufacturer is rare, and they viewed the initiative as a sign of growing appreciation for their role in the construction value chain.

Hima Cement officials have described the campaign as part of a broader effort to strengthen relationships with masons, whom the company considers essential to the country’s infrastructure development. Roads, bridges, dams and residential buildings, they note, are all shaped by the hands of skilled fundis, making their inclusion in loyalty programmes long overdue.

Philemon Mubiru, Hima Cement’s Head of Marketing and Innovation, said the campaign was intentionally designed to reward the person who opens the bag.

“For a long time, promotions mainly targeted dealers,” Mubiru said. “This time, we decided to focus on the mason. Every bag opened has a cash reward. Each code equals cash, and the more codes submitted, the more money one earns.”

The Funamu Ne Hima promotion currently applies only to Hima Multipurpose cement. The company has indicated that the performance of the campaign will be reviewed before considering expansion to other product lines.

As more masons across Uganda continue to receive payouts, early feedback suggests the initiative is not only providing extra income but also reshaping how construction workers relate to cement brands, moving from being mere consumers to recognised partners in national development.