25 Industrial parks are set to be constructed across Uganda. This follows a partnership agreement inked between Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) over the development.
The partnership agreement was signed between UIA’s Director General Robert Mukiza and the Managing Director of National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), Lt Gen James Mugira. NEC is the commercial arm of UPDF.
The project is under UIA’s strategic plan 2020-2025 themed “Accelerating Domestic and Foreign Direct Investment for Sustainable Industrial Industrialization” which targets creation of 400,000 jobs a year through industrial parks development. This is in line with Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan, which hinges on industrialization.
Also Read:Construction of US $1.4m industrial park in Adjumani, Uganda nears completion
Reduce construction costs
The development involves construction of regionally located industrial parks and four science, technology and innovation parks (STIPs). UIA already operates eight industrial and business parks in Uganda including: Namanve, Bweyogerere, Luzira, Kasese, Mbarara, Jinja, Mbale, Soroti and Karamoja.
The new industrial parks are planned for Gulu, Arua, Lira, Hoima, Buliisa, Hoima, Kabarole, Nakasongola, Luwero-Nakaseke, Kabarole, Mubende, Mityana, Masaka, Kabale, Bushenyi, Tororo, Rakai and Iganga. The science, technology and innovation parks on the other hand will be set up in Pakwach, Kyankwanzi, Kamuli and Rubirizi.
According to UIA Director General, Robert Mukiza involvement of the UPDF Engineering Brigade will reduce construction costs by 70%, in addition to getting value for money and timely completion of projects. The industrial parks will be for both domestic and foreign investors, and focus will be on equitable and regional distribution of industrial parks.
80
