UIA ED Mrs Jolly Kaguhangire Ethiopian Minister Visit KIBP UNDP 3

Ethiopian Minister Visits Kampala Industrial and Business Park

Following a high level dialogue organized on 11th/04/2017 by UNDP at Imperial Royale Hotel under the theme “Realizing the promises of Green Growth; Promoting Sustainable Industrialization in Uganda, Dr. Arkebe Oqubay a Minister and special advisor to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia visited the Kampala Industrial and Business Park Namanve to help him generate more practical experiences and get well abreast with the pace of industrialization in Uganda.

He visited the 2200 acre facility of KIBP and expressed his delight to see the progress made in the park. “I congratulate the Government of Uganda for choosing a strategic location for the park. Industrialization and manufacturing is very critical in the economic transformation of Uganda and I believe that KIBP will be an excellent module that will lead to job creation, increase in exports and increase in productivity capacity.” He said.

He distinguished between developing and operating a park. Since Uganda is currently still in the development stage, I advise UIA to explore the possibilities of how to build a much more operations and management capacity for this specific park. He was informed that many companies located in KIBP are planning to export to neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Kenya and DRC a critical element for every African country. Uganda has a huge demand for foreign exchange which is a vital element in economic transformation of the country.

Ms. Rosa Malango, a UN Resident Coordinator appreciated the opportunity availed to them to tour the park. She advised that going forward with the development of this park, UIA needs a clear roadmap on what capacities to create in Uganda to be able to make sure that 80% of the jobs created are for Ugandans. This will require planning, time and investment. “We can learn from our Ethiopian counterparts as human capital development is a key element in the current professional world.” She said

Ms. Kaguhangire, the UIA Executive Director thanked the Ethiopian minister for sparing time to share experiences in Ethiopia. “We are committed to see that we work together, ready to learn and transform, please push with us until we come to a level where we are able to run by ourselves.” She said.