Masons earn cash as ‘Funamu Ne Hima’ campaign pays out 

Masons across Uganda have begun receiving cash rewards under Hima Cement’s Funamu Ne Hima loyalty promotion, with the first payouts made in December 2025, weeks after the six-month campaign was rolled out.

The programme rewards masons with cash for every bag of Hima Multipurpose cement they open and register, marking a clear shift by the manufacturer from dealer-centred promotions to direct incentives for end users, the fundis whose labour underpins the country’s construction sector.

“The more tokens submitted, the more money one earns,” the company said, outlining the promotion’s volume-based reward model.

Masons welcome December payouts

Across several regions, masons told The Observer that the December payments confirmed the scheme was delivering tangible benefits. In Kiboga, mason Steven Kiyimba said the mobile money alert caught him by surprise.

“I was not sure it would work, but when the money came, I believed it,” Kiyimba said. “I used it for household needs, and now I make sure I submit every code.”

From Kabale, Richard Byamukama said the payouts have changed how masons think about brand loyalty.

“Usually, once you buy cement, that is where the relationship ends,” he said. “This time, the company is rewarding the person who actually does the work.”

In Pallisa, Martin Ocen said the end-of-month cash helped him meet daily site expenses.

“Transport and meals are costly,” Ocen said. “That money helped me finish the month without borrowing.”

Meanwhile, in Hoima, Yusuf Ssekitto said the promotion has encouraged masons to pay closer attention to the cement they use.

“When you know every bag has extra value, you take it seriously,” he said. “Submitting more codes means more money.”

Hima Cement launched the campaign in December 2025 under the Luganda name Funamu Ne Hima, meaning “Benefit With Hima,” signalling its focus on masons as the primary users of its Multipurpose cement.

Philemon Mubiru said the promotion was deliberately designed to reward the fundi.

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

Under the programme, unique codes are printed inside every bag of Hima Multipurpose cement. Masons register by dialling *204# or through the Hima Loyalty app available on the Play Store and App Store. Cash is paid at the end of each month after a minimum of ten codes is submitted.

Hima’s commercial director, Israel Tinkasimire, said the campaign recognises the central role masons play in national development.

“The roads, bridges and homes we rely on every day are moulded by the hands of the fundis,” he said. “Giving back to them is being part of them from the start.”