KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government has revived plans to relocate its offices from Kampala to Entebbe, State Minister for Privatisation and Investment Evelyn Anite said.
Anite said the government has allocated 150 acres of land in Entebbe to Chinese investors for the construction of modern facilities.
“The government has allocated 150 acres of land in Entebbe to Chinese investors for the construction of modern facilities,” Anite said.
The project, valued at $500 million, aims to create an “alternative capital city” in Entebbe, Anite said.
“Unless you are in a government-constructed facility, that office will have to move to Entebbe,” Anite said Saturday after meeting with Chinese investors in Kampala.
Anite said all government ministries, departments and agencies currently renting private premises will be relocated to the government campus, which is under construction.
“This is part of the plan to create an alternative capital city in Entebbe,” Anite said.
The relocation plan, first announced in 2018, aims to decongest Kampala and promote economic growth in Entebbe.
Anite said the new facilities will include a conference center, five-star hotel, international school and modern housing.
Chinese investor Paul Zhang, whose company Tian Tang Group is leading the project, said construction will commence next month, subject to environmental approval.
Zhang noted that Entebbe, with its proximity to the airport, offers a unique opportunity for investors.
“Some time ago, I approached the minister with a proposal to build an international conference center along with other amenities such as hospitals, international schools and modern housing in Entebbe,” Zhang said.
Anite introduced Zhang to President Yoweri Museveni, who allocated him strategic land in Kitugulu, Entebbe.
“His vision is to modernize the city,” Anite said.
Anite said the facilities would attract middle-income citizens to relocate to the area.
“We, along with the president, saw this as a strategic move, primarily to decongest Kampala,” Anite said. “Additionally, its proximity to the airport makes it convenient for international visitors and expatriates requiring high-quality amenities and international schools.”
The government sees the project as a strategic move to drive economic growth and create jobs, Anite said.
“This is an incentive we offer to investors to encourage job creation, broaden the tax base and drive economic growth,” Anite said.
Zhang said they would invest up to $500 million in the initiative to build a “modern city” in Entebbe.
“While Kampala offers assured profits, Entebbe is an old city that needs modernization,” Zhang said. “It houses the State House and the UN East Africa headquarters.”
