KAMPALA – Government through Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) has planned to develop a network of 22 industrial parks, a plan that is likely to cost taxpayers over Shs47b.
This was brought to light in the entity’s 2020/2021 national budget framework paper and adopted by Parliament with recommendations from the Budget Committee.
According to UIA, the establishment of new industrial parks requires conducting feasibility studies and acquiring and developing industrial park land aimed at creating more jobs and easing accessibility to land for investment, introduce new research, technologies and skills development, in order to boost Uganda’s exports and increase the revenue base.
The Authority plans to purchase land for 4 science and technology industrial parks in; Nebbi/Pakwach, Kamuli, Rubirizi and Kyankwanzi, Purchase of land for Nakasongola, Gulu, Arua, Iganda Industrial and Business Parks.
Funds to the tune of Shs47b. are required to undertake these activities with Patrick Isiagi, Vice-Chairperson Budget Committee informing Parliament while reading the report; “The Committee recommends that the government provides Shs47b to enable the Authority purchase and develop industrial parks and conduct the attendant feasibility studies.”
Uganda Investment Authority is also seeking Shs 1.163b to consult with the private sector to identify major bottlenecks to investment and advise the government on the enabling policy.
The Authority stated that the money would go towards investigating policy reform requirements within the identified sectors and come up with policy measures to enhance competitiveness on a regular basis.
Parliament called on government to provide Shs1.163b to enable UIA provide investment facilitation services
