Why invest in Uganda?
(a) Vibrant Economy
Uganda’s economy has been growing at a rate of 5 - 6% per annum for the last 15 years, one of the fastest growing in sub-Saharan Africa Uganda has achieved macroeconomic stability, characterized by single digit annual inflation rates and stable exchange rates Over the period 1993-2000, investors’ perception of Uganda as an investment location increased by 15.6%, the second largest increase in sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda has a sound financial sector, with the shilling fairly stable and fully convertible
(b) Fully Liberalised Economy
The economy is fully liberalised and open to foreign investment, with no restrictions on remittance of dividends No restrictions on sectors - foreign investors allowed to invest in any economic activity 100 per cent foreign ownership allowed Government divestiture creating opportunities in well established enterprises
(c) Access to Regional and International Markets
Firms in Uganda have unrestricted access to the East African Community market which has a population of 74 million Uganda is a member of the COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) consisting of 23 member states and a population of over 300 million Uganda is strategically located on the continent and shares borders with Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. Geographical proximity to many countries ensures easy inter-country trade. Ugandan products enjoy preferential access to the European Union under the Lome Convention and into the USA under the Generalised system of preferences Uganda has bilateral trade and promotion arrangements with the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Italy, Tanzania and many other countries
(d) Abundance of Natural Resources
Uganda is endowed with reliable rainfall, favourable temperatures, fertile soils, vast under exploited water bodies and a wealth of mineral deposits which offer unrivalled investment opportunities Uganda also boasts of a wealth of beautiful natural scenery Investment opportunities include among others Agriculture, Agro-processing, Fisheries, Manufacturing, Tourism and Service Industry
(e) Readily available highly trained labour force
Uganda’s 12 Universities and several polytechnics turn out over 10,000 graduates with varied skills annually Training institutions in Uganda are responsive to the needs of the private sector, which has resulted in practical graduates Uganda has no history of labour disputes Ugandan workers are proficient in English and a number are proficient in other international languages like French and Germany
(f) Developed Infrastructure
Uganda has a well-connected road network linking the country to its principal trading partners and has rail links to seaports. The national airport at Entebbe has developed into a hub for regional trade Abundance of power. Installed capacity for power generation has increased from 183 MW to 240 MW through the extension of the Owen Falls Dam Telecommunications is well developed, with rural areas covered by cellular communication. 1,000 ha, located at Namanve, about 15 km from the city centre are being developed into an Industrial and Business park
(g) Support from Government and International Development Partners
The Government of Uganda has set up the Uganda Investment Authority, which is a one-stop facility for private investors The Uganda Government values private investors as partners in efficient and productive economy Numerous International Development Agencies such as USAID, DFID, UNDP and ADB have invested millions of dollars in promoting the private sector in Uganda
(h) Security of Investment
MIGA Coverage - Uganda is a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) under which foreign investors can insure their investment in Uganda against a wide range of non-commercial risks Uganda has bilateral investment protection arrangements with a number of Countries Uganda’s constitution guarantees the right to property Uganda has a strong and independent judiciary to cater for the commercial and legal requirements of investors
(i) Good Quality of Life
Uganda has a wealth of natural and man-made attractions that makes it one of Africa’s greenest and most scenic countries Has friendly people and a rich cultural climate There are high quality educational and medical facilities Uganda has first class hotels, restaurants and other entertainment facilities. Click here to go back to top
For more information please visit the official website of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) Website: http://www.ugandainvest.com/ |
