Bukenya Warns Officials Against Extorting Investors

Former Vice President, Professor Gilbert Bukenya, has issued a stern warning to government officials against soliciting bribes from foreign investors, emphasizing that this corrupt practice is actively driving away much-needed investment and stifling Uganda’s economic progress.

During a recent visit to A1 Manufacturing Uganda Ltd, a plastic recycling plant located in Gombe, Prof. Bukenya highlighted his observations. He noted that instead of providing constructive guidance to businesses, certain government employees exploit any minor oversight to extort money, a behavior he described as detrimental.

“If you come to such a factory don’t expect to find gold at the start but after a thorough process the gold is finally found,” Prof. Bukenya remarked, underscoring the initial challenges inherent in establishing industries.

As Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment and Sanitation, Prof. Bukenya reiterated the critical role of industrialization in Uganda’s ambitious ‘Tenfold Growth Strategy.’ This strategy aims to significantly expand the nation’s economy from its current valuation to $500 billion by 2040, with a strong focus on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology innovation.

He stressed that government officials are expected to facilitate and support investors, not create obstacles. “Government officials have a key role to play in ensuring that they help investors instead of just frustrating their efforts by asking for money especially whenever they discover any mistake,” he stated.

Prof. Bukenya concluded by emphasizing that foreign investors are vital for generating revenue and creating employment opportunities, and therefore, they should be encouraged and supported, rather than exploited.

Read more at: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/stop-chasing-investors-away-bukenya-slams-bribe-seeking-officials-5472394