Kampala, Uganda – The State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Investment and Privatisation), Hon. Hajjat Aminah Mukalazi, today met manufacturers and private sector stakeholders at the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) to discuss key issues affecting investment, industrial growth, taxation, employment, and Uganda’s competitiveness.
The engagement, convened by the Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, Col. Edith Nakalema, provided a platform for open dialogue between government and the private sector on practical solutions to strengthen Uganda’s investment climate and accelerate economic transformation.
In her remarks, Hon. Mukalazi thanked Col. Nakalema for bringing together manufacturers, investors, and policymakers to discuss challenges and opportunities within the sector.
“As a newly appointed Minister, this engagement offers an invaluable opportunity to listen, learn, and better understand the realities facing investors, manufacturers, and job creators,” Hon. Mukalazi said.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment that supports production, value addition, industrial growth, and wealth creation for Ugandans.
She emphasized the importance of aligning government policies with the realities of production, noting that sustainable economic transformation requires continuous engagement between policymakers and the private sector. Hon. Mukalazi welcomed stakeholder views on policy adjustments that could unlock greater investment and manufacturing potential.
During the discussions, stakeholders raised concerns regarding taxation, particularly excise duties on industrial inputs, employment costs, informality, and policy predictability. The Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policy discussions that balance revenue mobilization with the need to support productive sectors of the economy.
Hon. Mukalazi further highlighted the importance of creating jobs through investment and industrialisation, while encouraging proposals that support business growth, worker protection, and increased formalization of the economy.
She noted that Uganda’s industrialisation agenda depends on strengthening local production capacity, promoting value addition, and increasing the participation of Ugandans in economic activities through local content development.
The Minister also commended Col. Edith Nakalema for establishing the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, an innovative platform that enables investors to report concerns remotely without the need for physical visits to offices. She noted that the portal is helping to eliminate middlemen, enhance transparency, reduce opportunities for corruption within the investment chain, and improve service delivery to investors.
Hon. Mukalazi described the portal as a significant step towards creating a more responsive, efficient, and investor-friendly environment that supports both domestic and foreign investment.
She further emphasized that investors value stability, consistency, and predictability in policy implementation, adding that regular dialogue between government and the private sector is essential for building confidence and attracting long-term investment.
The Minister reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining structured engagement with stakeholders to ensure government policies remain responsive to emerging realities and the needs of the business community.
She concluded by appreciating the candid views shared during the engagement and pledged continued collaboration with investors, manufacturers, and development partners.
“Together, we can build a more competitive, productive, and prosperous economy for Uganda,” Hon. Mukalazi said.
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