KAMPALA – Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Bahati, has led fresh engagements with Egyptian investors aimed at advancing a proposed industrial and economic zone in Uganda, in a move expected to strengthen manufacturing, create employment and boost the country’s export potential.
The follow-up engagement comes after a meeting held the previous day at State House between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Egyptian investors, during which discussions focused on their proposed investment in Uganda.
Bahati said the latest engagement was intended to advance the investors’ proposal and build on the discussions initiated with the President, signalling continued government efforts to attract foreign investment and accelerate industrial development.
Under the proposal, the Egyptian investors plan to establish an Egyptian industrial and economic zone in Uganda, an initiative that could open new opportunities for manufacturing, industrial expansion and stronger economic cooperation between Uganda and Egypt.
The proposed investment is expected to support Uganda’s industrialisation agenda by expanding manufacturing activities and promoting value addition, particularly through encouraging the production and processing of goods within the country rather than relying heavily on imported finished products.
Bahati highlighted the potential of the investment to generate employment opportunities for Ugandans, increase industrial production and strengthen the country’s capacity to produce goods for both domestic consumption and international markets.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to Uganda’s ambition of positioning itself as a regional industrial and trade hub by attracting international investors, expanding the manufacturing sector and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.
Although the proposal presents significant economic opportunities, details regarding the investment value, proposed location, implementation schedule and projected number of jobs have not yet been made public. Further engagements will therefore be important in translating the investment plan into an implementable project.
The continued involvement of Bahati and the wider government in advancing the discussions reflects Uganda’s determination to attract strategic international partnerships capable of transforming its industrial sector, expanding economic opportunities and supporting long-term national development.
