Namanve, Mukono District — The State Minister for Finance in charge of Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyn Anite, has called on Lagan DOTT Construction Company to expedite the completion of infrastructure works at the Kampala Industrial and Business Park (KIBP) in Namanve, to enable investors to operate in a conducive environment with smooth access to their premises.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday during the Investors’ Annual Baraza held at Lagan DOTT’s headquarters in Namanve Industrial Park.
Acknowledging delays in the construction of key infrastructure—including roads, electricity, ICT networks, and drainage systems—Minister Anite assured investors that the contractor had resumed work in full force to deliver on their commitments.
“We admit that the project has taken long, but I want to assure you that they are now back on track,” said Minister Anite. “They will make a full presentation to update us on their progress. I know some of you are wondering when they’ll reach your area, but we are moving forward.”
Minister Anite attributed the delays partly to a planning error by the government, which allocated land to investors before conducting a feasibility study and developing a master plan—essential steps that should have preceded the land allocation.
Despite the setbacks, she commended investors for choosing Uganda as their investment destination and for supporting President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of building a self-sustaining, integrated economy.
“We followed the vision of our leader, President Museveni. His goal is for Uganda to establish industrial parks that allow us to add value to our God-given resources—from agriculture and forestry to minerals—so we can build a self-reliant economy,” she stated.
The Namanve Industrial Park project, spanning over 2,209 acres along the Kampala–Jinja highway, includes the construction of paved roads, modern stormwater drainage, sewerage and water distribution systems, ICT ducting, street lighting, and other essential infrastructure.
The park is a flagship project aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan, which emphasizes infrastructure development in transport, water, energy, and ICT sectors. Once fully operational, the park is expected to attract both local and international investors, generate over 200,000 jobs, and significantly boost Uganda’s export capacity and economic growth.
During the event, Lagan DOTT officials informed the minister that overall project progress stands at 58%. They cited challenges including complex site conditions, climate-related disruptions, right-of-way issues, and delays caused by third-party agencies such as NEMA and other Climate and Environmental stakeholders.
“When the project began, we had 60 investors. Today, there are over 300,” the contractor reported. “Despite challenges, we’ve completed 25 km of tarmacked roads, with an additional 5 km nearing completion. Accessibility has improved, more factories have been set up, and employment levels have increased, leading to greater productivity, self-sufficiency, and export growth.”
Government remains optimistic that, once completed, the Namanve Industrial Park will serve as a cornerstone for industrial transformation, anchoring Uganda’s broader socio-economic development agenda.
