The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), which was established under the Investment Code 1991 (revised in 2019), is a statutory agency mandated to initiate and support measures that enhance investment in Uganda and advise the government on appropriate policies conducive for investment promotion and growth.
The semi-autonomous government agency drives national economic growth and development in partnership with the private sector.
As an Investment Promotion Agency, UIA mainly markets investment opportunities; promotes packaged investment projects; ensures local and foreign investors have access to information, especially about the business environment so as to make more informed business decisions and also offers business support, advisory and advocacy services.
The body’s mission is to promote, attract and retain value adding domestic and foreign direct investments through targeted marketing and aftercare services.
Their objectives include; attracting value adding investment that brings technology, skills and jobs; contributing to the image of Uganda as a leading African Investment destination’; stimulate and lead key stakeholders in creating a competitive business environment; set up and develop Industrial and Business Parks and offer support to small and medium enterprises.
Under UIA, the process of doing business in Uganda has been made easy by reducing the amount of bureaucracy needed to secure licences and permits.
According to UIA, “the establishment of the One-Stop Centre … through the amendment of the Investment Act, 2019 created a single access point for information and service transactions for investors. It also houses Government and private sector institutions that are responsible for investment facilitation.”
“The Centre thus ensures that the licences and permits required to operate in Uganda are acquired with ease under one roof. Most of the services can now be accessed online through the eBiz platform,” adds UIA.
UIA also provides information on the available in various industrial parks as well as the guidelines for securing such land.
Most recently, UIA has organized a number of investment summits together with other government ministries, departments and agencies.
Key people at UIA
UIA is supervised by the Ministry of Finance. Currently, the direct supervisor of UIA is Evelyn Anite, the finance state minister in charge of investment.
The minister supervises the following Board members:
Mr. Morrison Rwakakamba – Board Chairperson
Dr. Joshua Mutambi
Mr. Robert Mukiza
Ms. Beatrice Mpairwe
Ms. Neima Ombambosa
Mr. Izama Angelo Opi-Aiya
Ms. Getrude Kateesa Lutaaya
Mr. Godfrey Byamukama Kereere
Under the Board, there is a management team, which includes the following:
Mr. Robert Mukiza – Director General
Dr. Paul Kyalimpa – Deputy Director General
Mr. Joseph Kiggundu – Director, One Stop Center
Mr. Ahmed Busobozi – Ag Director, Finance and Administration
Mr. Hamza Galiwango – Director, Industrial Parks Development
Mrs. Patience Kabije – Corporation Secretary & Head Legal and Board Affairs
Mrs. Winnie Lawoko-Olwe – Director, Domestic Investments Division
Mr. John K Bwambale – Chief Internal Auditor
Mr. Martin Muhangi – Director, Investment Promotion and Business Development
