Investment Minister Addresses Key Concerns at Sino-Mbale Industrial Park

Hon. Hajjati Amina Mukalazi, the State Minister for Privatization and Investment, recently toured the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park as part of a broader government initiative to bolster investment and ensure industrial parks are fully operational.

During her visit, accompanied by local officials and Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) Director General Robert Mukiza, Minister Mukalazi engaged directly with investors to understand their operational challenges and identify actionable solutions.

The Sino-Mbale Industrial Park currently houses 92 factories, with 72 already in operation, and is poised to generate significant employment, with projections of 15,000 jobs at present capacity and up to 20,000 upon full development.

Investors highlighted several pressing concerns, including a dire need for improved road safety due to frequent accidents, inadequate firefighting capabilities, nighttime security issues, inefficient waste management, and recurring electricity disruptions. Tian Tang Group Director Luke Wang specifically called for urgent road safety interventions, noting that “We have lost so far 20 lives in road accidents since October last year.”

Minister Mukalazi pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda Police Force, and other relevant agencies to implement necessary improvements. “My Ministry will engage the Ministry of Works… to ensure the concerns raised by the park leadership are addressed, particularly their request for the installation of appropriate road signage and speed humps,” she stated.

UIA Director General Robert Mukiza assured investors that steps are already underway to enhance electricity reliability and address flooding. Procurement processes for stabilizing power supply and widening a crucial river channel are in progress, with funding allocated to mitigate these issues.

Local MP Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende also emphasized the importance of social infrastructure, advocating for affordable housing, schools, and health facilities to support the growing workforce within and around the industrial park. She also committed to working with the local community to improve sanitation and waste management practices.

The visit underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment environment by actively addressing the challenges faced by businesses operating within Uganda’s industrial parks.