Uganda Ministry of Finance Mandates Infrastructure Prioritization for Industrial Park Growth and Investor Attraction
Uganda’s Ministry of Finance has issued a directive to the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) to make the completion of critical infrastructure within industrial parks a paramount priority. Finance Minister Henry Musasizi underscored the necessity of robust road networks, reliable water supply, and consistent power provision to foster the expansion of these parks and enhance their appeal to domestic and international investors.
During a strategic meeting with the UIA management, led by Director General Robert Mukiza, Minister Musasizi emphasized that industrial parks should only be licensed upon the full accessibility of essential amenities. He reiterated that investment promotion and facilitation remain core functions of the Ministry, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business.
The UIA Director General reported that out of 25 planned industrial and agricultural business parks, 14 are now fully operational, hosting 463 established companies. This burgeoning ecosystem has successfully mobilized USD 5.881 billion in investment and generated 164,230 direct and indirect jobs, predominantly within the manufacturing sector.
However, Mukiza identified key areas requiring immediate attention. He stressed the importance of operationalizing regional one-stop centres to bring investment facilitation services closer to businesses operating within these parks. Furthermore, he called for increased funding dedicated to the development and ongoing maintenance of park infrastructure. To address power reliability concerns, Mukiza urged the government to prioritize negotiating competitive power tariffs and securing dedicated substations for industrial parks.
Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, Aminah Mukalazi, echoed the sentiment for enhanced efficiency, advocating for improvements in licensing procedures and follow-up mechanisms to ensure investor challenges are comprehensively addressed. She also highlighted the need to strengthen one-stop centres with empowered staff capable of making swift decisions, thereby expediting the licensing process. Mukalazi further stressed that all available incentives must be clearly communicated to prospective investors to maximize their awareness and utilization.
