economy 24 July 2026 Uganda Investment Authority
Finance Minister Emphasizes Infrastructure as Key to Industrial Park Growth
Uganda's Finance Minister, Henry Musasizi, has stressed the urgent need for the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) to prioritize infrastructure development, including roads, water, and power, within industrial parks. This focus aims to enhance the parks' functionality and attract greater investment. Source: https://ugandainvest.go.ug/infrastructure-development-in-industrial-parks-must-be-priority-finance-minister
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has called for a concentrated effort on completing essential infrastructure within Uganda’s industrial parks. Speaking during a meeting with the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) management, Musasizi underscored that reliable roads, water supply, and electricity are fundamental for the success and expansion of these zones, as well as for drawing in new investors.
He emphasized that industrial parks should only be licensed once all necessary amenities are fully functional. The Minister highlighted that investment promotion and facilitation are central responsibilities of his ministry, aligning with the UIA’s core mandate.
UIA Director General Robert Mukiza reported that 14 out of 25 planned industrial and agricultural business parks are currently operational. These parks host 463 fully functioning companies, which have collectively mobilized USD 5.881 billion and generated 164,230 direct and indirect jobs.
Mukiza also pointed out the necessity of operationalizing regional One-Stop Centres to bring investment facilitation services closer to investors in active industrial parks. He appealed to the government for increased funding for park development and maintenance, and also for securing competitive power tariffs and dedicated substations.
Minister of State for Privatization and Investment Amina Mukalazi added that improvements are needed in licensing and follow-up procedures to better address investor challenges. She suggested strengthening One-Stop Centres with decision-making staff to expedite processes and ensure all investors are aware of available incentives. Mukalazi also proposed a review of land allocation in parks, advocating for unutilized land to be repossessed by the government after a set period to be allocated to more committed investors.