Uganda has embarked on an ambitious strategy to accelerate its industrialization agenda, primarily through the development of 25 new industrial parks across the country, aiming for equitable regional distribution and an overall target of creating 400,000 jobs annually. This extensive project, spearheaded by the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and involving a key partnership with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade to reduce construction costs and ensure timely completion, is a core component of the government’s Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII).
While the initial plan aimed for completion by 2025, progress is staggered, with government efforts focused on securing free land from local governments in various sub-regions and a strong emphasis on establishing integrated infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water, to attract both domestic and foreign direct investment for manufacturing, value addition, and import substitution. Also, the development of this industrial parks will boost the economy of the country, through creation of jobs. In another project that is expected to boost the country’s economy, Uganda seeks to partner with UAE investors to develop the Uganda Inland Port.
Reported on August 14, 2021
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.
