200000 Ugandans will directly get employment from Kampala Industrial and Business Park located in Namanve after its completion.
The good news was revealed by Minister of Privatization and Investment Hon. Evelyn Anite who hosted UK Minister for Africa Mr Andrew Stephenson during the Ground Breaking Ceremony at Namanve on Sunday.
Present were UK High Commissioner to Uganda Peter West, Minister of Works Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) team led by Chairman Emely Kugonza, Lagan Dott the developer of the park and several other investors both local and international.
Mr Kugonza- Chairman UIA, in his brief address said the establishment of the Kampala Industrial and Business Park which is Uganda’s first flagship industrial park is a clear testimony that Uganda is advancing fast in meeting the goal of enhancing industrialization for sustainable economic development.
The park occupying 2200 acres at Namanve is currently fully allocated to 306 investors for development in sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, mineral processing, logistics and freight among others.
“49 industries are currently operational employing up to 29000 Ugandans. A total of 112 projects have commenced construction and are employing an additional 18000 Ugandans on short term contracts,” Mr. Kugonza said.
He noted that another 112 projects are still in the pre-start stages of surveying.
Kugonza said the challenge which has long been facing the business park for many years was lack of relevant infrastructure.
The UIA Board is presently leading a process of developing a new 5- year strategic plan that is aligned to Uganda Vision 2040.
Investment Minister, Anite said, over 500 companies will be constructed which will in return create over 200000 jobs.
“This is going to help young people on the streets to start working and Uganda will no longer be known for importing all its products from China. Instead, everything will be manufactured here,” Anite said.
Anite added that key infrastructures like the tarmac road network, bridges, solar street lighting, water distribution network, water treatment systems, waste treatment plant, small and medium enterprises, and firefighting system, among others, are to be developed.
Lagan Dott official, the developer of the park said the whole project will be delivered in only 42 months.
“Just like a midwife, we hope to have a good pregnancy, swift delivery, and the baby that will be born will be healthy and prosperous to grow Uganda as a whole in a period of 42 months,” he said.
UK-Minister for Africa Andrew Stephenson who doubled as the guest of honour reiterated Britain’s commitment to support Uganda achieve its 2040 vision.
“The UK supports Uganda’s ambition to become a middle-income country by 2040. Boosting infrastructure, enhancing investment and trade, and strengthening Uganda’s manufacturing base,” Stephenson said.
“Uganda has a fast young growing population who are ambitious “and with the creation of jobs, they will be able to pay taxes,” he added.
Stephenson reassured government this is only the beginning of a much deeper partnership between our two countries “UK has a lot to offer in terms of business know how.”
According to UIA officials this business park project will cost around $240 million which is equal to shs 880 billion.
