On April 19th, 2024, all roads led to Ntare grounds in Mbarara City, western Uganda for a Regional Business & Investment Symposium.

This was coordinated by the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) headed by Col. Edith Nakalema in collaboration with Mbarara City Traders Association (MBACITA) and key officials from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in Trade and Finance.

Held under the theme “Exploring Business/ Investment Opportunities through continuous community engagements”, the symposium attracted various stakeholders and the business community in the region.

Under SHIPU coordination, the symposium served as a platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships essential for unlocking the region's immense economic potential.

Salient issues included nurturing a conducive business environment characterized by streamlined regulatory frameworks, enhanced access to finance (Small Business Recovery Fund - SBRF), and robust institutional support mechanisms.

Through interactive sessions and panel discussions, participants engaged in a frank exchange of perspectives, identifying key bottlenecks and charting pragmatic solutions to spur entrepreneurial dynamism.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as engines of economic growth, stakeholders underscored the need for tailored interventions aimed at bolstering their resilience and competitiveness.

Emphasis was placed on enhancing access to credit facilities, facilitating skills development initiatives, increasing tax education and fostering market linkages to empower SMEs to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Crucially, the symposium provided a strategic platform for fostering synergies between government MDAs, private sector entities, and civil society organizations.

Through proactive engagement and stakeholder alignment, participants committed to forging strategic partnerships aimed at harnessing the region's collective strengths and addressing shared challenges.

In her address, Col.Nakalema reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment for business growth, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in all facets of economic governance.

Leveraging her expertise and experience, Col. Nakalema underscored the critical role of ethical leadership in driving inclusive growth and fostering public trust in government institutions.

The symposium served as a catalyst for exploring innovative financing mechanisms and investment opportunities poised to unlock the region's untapped potential.

From agribusiness to tourism, energy, and infrastructure development, participants exchanged insights and explored collaborative ventures aimed at harnessing Mbarara region's unique strengths and competitive advantages.