Musasizi Addresses Growing Ugandan Skepticism on Investor Support During Coffee Hub Tour

State Minister for Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi has observed increasing skepticism among Ugandans and the media regarding government support for investors, often seen as wasteful or favoring dubious players.

During a tour of the Inspire Africa Coffee hub in Rwashamaire, Ntungamo District, alongside Parliament’s Finance Committee led by Amos Kankunda, Musasizi defended the strategy. He stressed that providing an enabling environment for investors is a core government duty, not a favor.

“Ugandans often doubt these innovations, questioning if they’ll succeed or if backers are con artists,” Musasizi remarked, calling for on-site assessments over “boardroom” judgments. He cited examples like coffee processing, Kiira Motors vehicles, and pharmaceuticals as transformative.

The minister announced plans to improve coordination between the Finance Ministry and ICT/National Guidance Ministry for better investor support. Government will allocate $78 million this financial year to the coffee hub and industrial parks in Kapeka, Namanve, and Mbale.

Hub developer Nelson Tugume praised coffee’s enduring potential over finite resources like oil, predicting $100 billion in revenue with enhanced marketing. Kankunda attributed skepticism to poor awareness among leaders, pledging parliamentary backing for growth initiatives.

Critics, however, question public funding for the private venture without clear ROI metrics, amid ongoing coffee policy debates despite its status as a top forex earner.

Source: Daily Monitor