London, United Kingdom – The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja has called on Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of leading companies based in the United Kingdom to invest in Uganda, describing the country as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and a gateway to the East African market.
Addressing more than 100 global business leaders at Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Foundation, Nabbanja highlighted Uganda’s remarkable economic progress and its strategic position in East Africa.
“Let me take this opportunity to invite you to invest in Uganda. By doing so, you will contribute not only to Uganda’s prosperity but also to the growth of the entire East African region,” Nabbanja said. “The Government of Uganda remains firmly committed to maintaining a secure, stable, and conducive environment for your investments to thrive.”
Uganda’s Economic Growth and Regional Potential
The Premier shared that, according to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Uganda ranks among the top seven fastest-developing economies globally. She further noted that the East African Community (EAC) now boasts a population of nearly 400 million citizens, with about 30% living in urban areas — representing a significant consumer market for goods and services.
“The combined GDP of the EAC stands at USD 312.9 billion, with Uganda contributing USD 61.3 billion — a remarkable growth from USD 3.9 billion in 1986 when the current government took office,” she said.
Nabbanja emphasised that Uganda offers vast opportunities for investors across multiple sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, health, education, manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, and services.
Commitment to Value Addition and Industrialisation
The Prime Minister reiterated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s call for investments that promote value addition, noting that exporting raw materials leads to the export of jobs and missed opportunities for industrial growth.
“We want investors who will add value to our products so that Uganda can develop faster and create employment for our people,” Nabbanja said.
She underscored that Uganda remains one of the best investment destinations in Africa, thanks to its favourable policies and attractive incentives.
“The Government offers tax incentives, free land, and other benefits to investors. Uganda is open for business — come and invest,” she added.
Tenfold Growth Strategy and Long-Term Vision
Nabbanja briefed the CEOs on Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, an ambitious plan to expand the country’s economy from USD 61.3 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040. The forthcoming Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) will serve as the first five-year implementation plan for this vision.
“To achieve this strategy, we have identified four priority investment areas — Agro-Industrial Development, Tourism Development, Mineral-Based Development, including Oil and Gas, and Science, Technology and Innovation, especially ICT and the Creative Arts,” she explained.
The Premier noted that these sectors present high-growth opportunities for investors looking to partner with Uganda in sustainable and inclusive development.
Investors Engage with Ugandan Delegation
During the session, several CEOs raised questions about Uganda’s investment environment and the country’s readiness to absorb large-scale foreign investment.
Mr Robert Mukiza, the Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), reassured participants that Uganda has robust policies supporting profit repatriation and investor protection.
“When you invest in Uganda, you are free to repatriate your profits to any country of choice without restrictions. The government has ensured that investors enjoy a stable policy environment that guarantees returns,” Mukiza stated.
Strategic Bilateral Meetings
On the sidelines of the engagement, Nabbanja held a private meeting with Mr Ben Simms, CEO of Global Health Partnerships, to explore collaboration opportunities in Uganda’s health sector. The discussions focused on reducing the number of Ugandans seeking specialised treatment abroad by attracting global health investments into the country.
She also met with executives from Alvarez & Marsal, a global professional services firm that supports governments and corporations in driving transformation, mitigating risk, and unlocking value.
Promoting Uganda in the UK
The Prime Minister’s engagements in the United Kingdom form part of her maiden working visit aimed at promoting and marketing Uganda as a top investment destination.
Nabbanja was accompanied by H.E. Mrs Nimisha Jayant Madhvani, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK; H.E. Philip Rukikaire, Deputy High Commissioner; and Brig. Geoffrey Karugaba, Uganda’s Military Advisor in the UK, among other senior officials.
The meeting concluded with a group photo featuring the Prime Minister and participating CEOs, symbolising a renewed partnership between Uganda and the United Kingdom’s business community.