The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) convened its much-anticipated Investors Baraza at the flagship Kampala Industrial and Business Park in Namanve on 12th April, 2024.

The baraza attracted various stakeholders, prominent investors (both local and foreign), and several government officials including the State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite, the head the State House Investors Protection Unit and Anti-Corruption Unit (SHIPU), Col.Edith Nakalema and the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, and among others.

The baraza delved into a spectrum of pertinent issues vital for nurturing a conducive environment for investment and economic progress on top of fostering dialogue aimed at enhancing the investment landscape and bolstering business prospects in Uganda.

Among the salient takeaways from the event were initiatives geared towards fortifying investor confidence and streamlining operational frameworks. A pivotal stride in this direction involves the comprehensive revision of the Investment Code, with a focus on expediting investment procedures, safeguarding investor interests, and implementing stringent measures to curb illicit activities perpetrated by intermediaries or middlemen.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of domestic investors in propelling economic growth, stakeholders underscored the imperative of incentivizing local enterprises to foster expansion, generate employment opportunities, and augment government revenues.

Emphasis was also placed on fostering value addition to local raw materials, thereby fostering sustainable industrialization and fostering a culture of innovation.

Crucially, the baraza dispelled misconceptions regarding the composition of investors within the industrial park, revealing that a significant majority (53 percent) comprises domestic investors, highlighting their pivotal role in driving economic dynamism.

Moreover, stakeholders advocated for robust infrastructure development within the industrial park, prioritizing seamless workflows, and transparent communication channels to mitigate disruptions for investors.

Efforts to bolster security measures and enhance recreational amenities were also underscored as integral components in nurturing a conducive investment climate.

Speaking at the Baraza, Col.Nakalema encouraged stakeholders to work hard to grow Uganda’s industrial parks to global standards & boost industrial development in Uganda.

She also rallied investors to immediately report investment saboteurs.

"No one in government should interfere with your investments, report anyone asking for a bribe to the State House Investors Protection Unit [SHIPU] immediately. We are here to coordinate with you,” Col.Nakalema advised.

Minister Anite lauded Col. Nalalema and Gen.Isoke for joining hands with her to solve the challenges investors face at the Namanve Industrial Park.

“I am confident that with you we shall stop corruption & delays in all the industrial parks in Uganda,” she stressed.

In a bid to promote environmental sustainability, a collective commitment was made to embark on forestation initiatives, with each factory mandated to plant a minimum of 100 trees on its premises.

Collaborative efforts between UIA and infrastructure contractors were pledged to adorn all roads within the industrial park with verdant foliage, symbolizing a collective dedication to environmental stewardship.

The formation of a Park Investor Committee emerged as a pivotal step towards fostering cohesion and synergy among stakeholders, tasked with coordinating all investor-related affairs and addressing emerging challenges proactively.