The Head of State House Investors’ Protection Unit, Col Edith Nakalema, has tasked two newly appointed ministers to closely work with her office to promote a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors. The duo include the Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Sanjay Tanna, and the State Minister for Privatisation and Investment, Mr Aminah Mukalazi.
While holding an initial engagement with the two ministers and key stakeholders in the manufacturing and digital technology at her office in Kampala, Col Nakalema said the duo ought to support efforts meant to weed out rackets of individuals who extort money from investors, among other vices that may cripple the sector.
‘Mr Sanjay came with a great zeal to look at how we have been mobilising and protecting investors from wrong elements or the corrupt and how we are leveraging technology. He was followed by Ms Mukalazi. We are glad to receive these two ministers because they are key to our work,” she said. Col Nakalema also noted that the government would dialogue with manufacturers and agree on how their long-term concern of taxes levied on textiles and plastics is resolved.
Manufacturers in Uganda have consistently raised an alarm over the heavy tax burden imposed on the textile and plastics industries, warning about rising production costs, job losses, and massive price increases. Mr Sanjay pledged to promote an open-door policy where the concerned investors will be free to air out their concerns and seek guidance.
Taxation
On the issue of taxation, the minister said: ‘We are going to make sure you make money, but while you make money, we all make money responsibly, and we make sure we contribute our coins to Uganda Revenue Authority to ensure a peaceful, profitable, and pleasant Uganda.’ He also tasked Huawei to consider establishing call centres in Uganda to create jobs for millions of jobless graduates. Ms Mukalazi called for coordinated efforts among government ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure investors receive the support that they deserve. ‘We can all shine and win together. Division and uncoordinated ways of working are the ones that frustrate our investors,” she said.
Tree cutting
On the issue of a ban on tree cutting, the minister said President Museveni has promised to meet the affected investors and agree on the way forward.
Background
In 2023, the National Policy Committee on Environment resolved to ban the exportation of timber and cancelled all licenses and permits, and called for value addition to timber exports.
Mr Joseph Kiyimba, a tree farmer and an exporter of veneer (sliced wood for making plywood), said he is optimistic that their proposed engagement with top leadership will bear fruit to enable them to resume work.