Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs started by saluting Ugandans, Friends of Uganda, Potential Investors and well-wishers attending the forum and expressed her pleasure at being part of the Uganda-UK Trade & Investment Summit 2019.

 

Hon Turwomwe said that Uganda has made big strides in an effort to improve the livelihood of all Ugandans and setting pace for the attainment of the cherished goal of a middle-income status through interventions targeted at inclusive growth and social economic transformation. Uganda has made substantial progress towards the middle-income goal demonstrated through the following:

• Uganda’s economy continues to grow at an average of 6% per annum
• Average incomes have increased to USD 825 per person compared to USD 800 in FY 2017/18
• Significant road infrastructure improvements have been made across the country, with an average travel time of 4 hours across the country.
• The labour force has dramatically improved with the proportion of labour force with tertially education increasing from 7.5% in 2013 to 13.6% in FY 2017/18
• The Industry sector is now 21% compared to 13% in FY 1986/87
• Power generation has more than doubled over the past 10 years, the road sector with National grid electricity connections increasing to 1.3 million customers, and rural electrification access rate rising from 1% (2001) to over 13% (2019)
• Many new factories have been established with Ugandans and products in supermarkets have increased to 45%
• The Ugandan Shilling is fairly stable against major currencies
• There is growth in the communication sector, and health sectors among others.

All the above continue to position Uganda as a preferred investment destination and, in particular, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area which accounts for over 70% of the national GDP.

In this short write up, a number of investment opportunities in the GKMA have been highlighted and Hon Turwomwe said that she looked forward to working with investors and providing more information on any area of interest.

 

Uganda enjoys a unique location along the equator, in the heart of the Sub-Saharan Africa within the East African Region.

 

Uganda has been continuously ranked as the most entrepreneurial country in the world with its people ranking among the most welcoming in the world.

 

Uganda’s land-linked location has positioned it strategically for regional trade and investment with its economy offering high returns on investment thus making Uganda anyone’s preferred investment destination.

 

Access one of the World’s fastest growing regions

Uganda has achieved GDP growth of 6.3% on average per annum for the last 30 years. Uganda’s population is estimated to be 40 Million in 2019 and expected to increase to 45 Million by 2023. Whereas the purchasing power is still low, this is continuing to change given the increased improvements in education, infrastructure and investment policies.

 

Uganda is open & secure for foreign investment

Uganda is the most open country to FDI within the region with all the sectors fully liberalized for investment and 100% foreign ownership permitted.

 

Uganda’s Investment Climate

1. Uganda has had political and social stability since 1986
2. Effective macro-economic policies maintained economic growth at an average of 6.3% and enabled the country to withstand external economic shocks during the global economic downturn from 2008 to 2011 during which the economy still grew by 3%
3. Uganda is rich in natural resources, both in human capacity and in minerals
4. The country has a totally liberalised foreign exchange regime
5. There are consistent improvements in the country’s infrastructures including roads
6. There is a trainable and fast adaptable workforce from over 30 universities
7. Uganda has a welcoming population -Uganda has a population of 40 million people with a growing middle-income class with reasonable expendable income
8. Uganda is a signatory to major international investment and business protocols
9. The country has dedicated Commercial and Industrial courts for quick resolution of business disputes
10. A unique multi climate varies from winter on the snowcapped Mountain Rwenzori in the West, to the temperate highlands of Western Uganda and tropical forests of the Central region as well as to the semi-arid North Eastern regions.
11. Uganda also benefits from The Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (COMESA), a region with a market of about 400 million people in 19 countries.

 

Reasons why people should consider investing in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, GKMA

• GKMA is the most organized, most recognized and economically the most vibrant area in Uganda
• It is centrally located, providing easy access to markets, and connectivity to road, air and water transport networks as well as energy and communication systems
• GKMA boasts some of the highest GDP per capita in Uganda and is therefore the richest area with the highest purchasing power
• A market bridge links Uganda’s highest GDP points i.e. Kampala (22.5%) and Mukono (5.3%) respectively. Thus, it is a production zone.
• Over 70% of business sales of goods and services happen within a radius of 50-80kms from Kampala City.
• There are unexploited opportunities for agro-processing and industrial production
• There is availability of both skilled and unskilled labour
• An uninterrupted Hydro Electricity Power and vast industrial park of 10,000 acres is soon to be unveiled under Operation Wealth Creation

 

 

Uganda’s Vision 2040 envisages a major role for Greater Kampala in Uganda’s structural transformation.

Vision 2040 has outlined an ambitious agenda to transform the country “from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within thirty years.” The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) covers 970sq km with an estimated population of 5.0 million comprising of Kampala Capital City, Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi districts. It is envisaged to play a leading role in Uganda’s transformation. As the country’s main urban area, industrial center and economic engine, with one of the world’s fastest growing and youthful populations, as well as its unique cultural diversity and tourism potential, Greater Kampala has the potential to deliver the critical scale economies that can drive prosperity.

 

Greater Kampala Metropolitan Authority has a lot of Unique advantages in each of its districts and these include:

 

Wakiso, geographically encircling Kampala City and host to Entebbe airport, is the gateway into and out of the city. An estimated 50% of the people working in Kampala City live in Wakiso. When Kampala is referred to as the fastest growing city in Africa, in a way it is Wakiso that is leading the growth. Many of the Buganda Kingdom’s cultural sites are found in Wakiso as well as an extensive shoreline along Lake Victoria. Wakiso’s economy has transitioned from agricultural-based, to trade and industry.

 

Mukono prides itself as the “industrial hub” of the GKMA with over 200 industries in Namanve Park and over 50 in Mbalala Park, with more expansions being planned. Mukono is proud of its organized, planned residential areas, excellent schools, and great potential in lakeside and other hospitality and recreational activities to serve the growing population.

 

Mpigi is proud of its agribusiness and links to major fruit and vegetable growing areas. Niche products related to loofah plants, vanilla, and beekeeping, among many others, provide additional employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Known as the place where the Equator passes, Mpigi is also a stopover for visitors to Uganda’s world-famous wildlife parks. It is the center for drum-making, having produced drums for the Buganda Kingdom’s royalty for hundreds of years. In addition to tourism, the area is targeted for industrial development. While it has successfully attracted an oil depot and storage investment, additional investments that leverage its rich agricultural advantages, such as food processing and other agribusiness are being explored.

 

Kampala City houses the city’s Core Business District (CBD) and major education and leisure facilities. It has already begun to position its divisions to reflect key specializations. Lubaga as the Touristic Division, Makindye as the recreation and leisure division, Kawempe as the education division, Nakawa as the industrial division and Central Division is the administrative division. Kampala City is proud to be the vibrant central business district of GKMA, and the economic hub of the country, where economic activities are focused less on industry and more on Business, Financial, and Government Services, as well as Hospitality and Tourism (MICE, Cultural and Religious). It is proud to host a small but dynamic ICT and business incubation sector bolstered by a large, international student population and network of universities led by Makerere University.

 

While each area is carving out a unique niche for itself, they depend on one another for their future success. The GKMA has a unique location and the area as a whole offers unlimited investment opportunities that virtually impact the whole country and the East African region at large.

 

 

Investment opportunities in the greater Kampala metropolitan authority include:

 

1. a) Unique biodiversity and tourism potential

Greater Kampala is the gateway to one of the most biologically and culturally diverse countries on earth, and has significant untapped potential. Uganda’s bio-diversity is among the richest in the world.2Uganda is also endowed with cultural heritage diversity, with over forty indigenous ethnic groups, which influence both artistic and cultural expressions reflected in “language and literary arts, performing arts, visual arts and handicrafts, indigenous knowledge, cultural beliefs, traditions and values, cultural sites, monuments and antiquities.”3Kampala, the capital city, is often called the Garden City of Africa. It sits on the shore of Lake Victoria, the largest of the African Great Lakes and the second largest fresh water lake in the world by area. Lake Victoria’s shoreline, its islands, and the associated resources are unique to Greater Kampala and play a key role in the city’s economy, particularly in tourism and recreation, transportation and fishing. Birders flock to Greater Kampala to catch a glimpse of the elusive Shoebill Stork, while its islands have been named one of the Best Secret Island Destinations in the World. Greater Kampala is also an important multicultural center. It has been called the “melting pot” of the country, comprising members of all ethnic groups. GKMA is also home to many young artists in the creative space, bringing a modern twist to the country’s rich heritage that includes performing arts, visual arts, fashion and other expressions of culture.

 

Additionally, the city is a regional center for several world religions and there are numerous religious sites in Greater Kampala, such as:

• Kampala’s Bahai Mother Temple of Africa, is one of only seven Bahai houses of worship in the world
• The Uganda Martyr’s Shrine in Namugongo attracts millions of visitors in June each year
• The Uganda National Mosque, a skyscraper mosque gifted by Colonel Qadafi seats close to 20,000 people
• Lubaga Cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral, the different sites of the Uganda martyrs; the Indian Temples and traditional shrines are all religious sites capable of promoting religious tourism

 

Kampala is also an entertainment center. The city is endowed with many nightclubs, bars, theatres and entertainment centres which operate all day throughout the year. As a result of these facilities, there are always musical performances, events of different types and a wide array of celebrations. Mega events such as the MTN Marathon, the Kabaka’s birthday Run, end of year celebrations, soccer matches at Nakivubo and Nambole stadium, different sports events and a host of others have good attendance.

 

Tourism opportunities

Tourism is one of Uganda’s internationally competitive traded sectors with significant untapped potential in GKMA. Four key areas have been identified for GKMA Tourism Product development: Cultural Tourism, Religious Tourism, Nature / Leisure Tourism, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

 

Tourism related investment opportunities

Working with the private sector, sub-nationals are to design and implement Cultural Tourism Product to include among others:

• Upgrade and promotion of handicrafts and establish an arts and craft hub and training facilities
• Develop the Uganda Martyrs (Namugongo) tourism circuit tracing route across GKMA to promote faith-based tourism
• Assess viability of Entebbe – Kampala water ferry
• Develop facilities and demonstrations areas for culinary tourism
• Upgrading Busabala and Nakabugo landing sites for fishing and tourism destination
• Develop ecotourism sites at Develop Nakivubo channel as Impala Sanctuary with leisure park, walkways, and woodlot
• Gaba boat cruise project and fishing
• Develop sports-based tourism trails
• Development of MICE Bureau, Secretariat and Strategy (KCCA)
• Construction of modern beaches, hotels, lodges, Guest Houses, other leisure facilities along Lake Victoria
• Development of forest and wetland eco-system sites for eco-tourism at Lutembe, Mabamba, including birding and the shoebill stock avian tourism
• Working with the Buganda Kingdom for the re-development of cultural sites such as Wamala tombs, Mukajanga, Kanyange Namasole Tombs
• Work with tour operators on product development, Marketing and promotion support

 

 

 

1. b) Investment Opportunities in the Agriculture Sector

Horticulture

The current fruit and vegetable production is largely in the hands of smallholders with over 60% produced for local consumption. There are only 67 firms registered to export horticultural products. The poor export performance coupled with increased imports of fruits into the country results from insufficient domestic supply to meet domestic demand, and from the presence of foreign supermarkets, juice processing and demand for varieties not yet commercially grown in Uganda.

 

This sector presents the following investment opportunities:

• Production for exports of horticultural produce (fruits and vegetables) on a large commercial basis
• Production of propagation materials
• Establishment of soil-analysis services
• Manufacture of greenhouse plastics
• Production of inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides
• Production of packaging materials
• Provision of cold-storage facilities
• Value addition such as juice processing
• Urban farming capacity building
• Transporting facilities and silos

 

Apiculture

The world market for natural honey reached US$2.1 billion in 2017(UN comtrade) and the top five importing countries are USA, Germany, Japan, France and UK respectively. Uganda’s exports of natural honey stood at a mere US$4 thousand in the same year and exported mainly to Oman and Rwanda.

 

The country also imported natural honey worth US$ 101 thousand from UAE, Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania. It’s evident that domestic demand and export demand for natural honey is too huge to match the current production.

 

Investment opportunities presented in this sector include supply of honey processing equipment and machinery and packaging materials

 

 

Commercial Fish farming (Aquaculture)

The following investment opportunities exists in this sector:

• Construction of fish cages, ponds and fish tanks on and around Lake Victoria to boost fish quantities for both export and local markets
• There is an opportunity in the establishment of fish hatcheries to produce quality fish through Public-Private Partnership arrangements.
• Establishment of fish feed manufacturing factory for quality feeds with standard formulation

 

Piggery

Approximately 60,000 households rear pigs but on a smallholder level with an average land holding of ¼ acre in the peri -urban areas.

 

Market Size

The monthly demand for pork in GKMA is estimated at approximately 12 metric tons. The current supply is approximately 2.4 metric tons of pork and the estimated deficit is 9.6 metric tons of pork.

The regional market (East African Community) imports pork from the world worth US$ 4.3 million in 2017. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are the three major importing countries of pork into East Africa. Pork imports into the country are to supermarkets and hotels in areas around Kampala and Wakiso. This trend probably points at insufficient domestic supply.

 

The following investment opportunities are identified

• Producing piglets for sale at weaning
• Raising sows that will be bred with superior boars to produce good quality piglets for sale
• Construction of modern piggery slaughter houses for processed meat
• Production of animal feeds on a commercial level

 

Poultry

Investment Opportunities are:

• Commercial production/farming of broilers and kuroilers
• Hatcheries
• Poultry feeds
• Supply of chicken meat to supermarkets and export markets
• Supply of eggs to local and regional markets

 

 

1. c) The Dairy sector presents the following Investment opportunities:

• Commercial production of milk to supply processing farms
• Milk processing for local and export market
• Production of cattle feeds
• Leather tanning
• Production of manure out of cattle waste
• Provision of professional veterinary services
• Production of electricity and manure from waste
• Production of artisan products (horn products) out of cow horns
• Supply of hay and silage

 

1. d) Storage Facilities & cold chain stores

 

With increasing costs of doing business in Kampala, companies are now looking for cheaper logistic storage space outside the central business district of Kampala. According to the Real Estate report the current monthly occupancy rates range between US$3.5-$7 per square meter. This is quite high and points at one fundamental fact: demand for storage space overwhelms supply thus creating opportunities for investment in storage facilities.

 

There is also a challenge of cold storage facilities for horticultural and flower exporters. The only cold store at Entebbe Airport lacks capacity to accommodate all the fresh produce and is monopolized by big flower exporting firms. Investment opportunities in this sector are:

• Construction of cold storage facilities around and near Entebbe
• Construction of bonded warehouses and other logistics premises to make use of the strategic location

 

 

1. e) Commercial Infrastructure

 

Industrial parks and Export Processing Zones/ Special Economic Zones – Investment opportunities:

• Development of a trade center for regional distribution of high-quality products focusing on central region of Uganda and EAC markets.
• Development of Industrial parks for light industries for processing agro-based raw materials from Wakiso and neighboring districts for value addition before exports. Construction of a logistics center offering facilities such as showrooms for display of factory products, an inland container depot (ICD), ICT facilities for BPO, simple assembly and processing of products, training center for local experts and housing apartments.
• Potential investors can also take advantage of Export Processing Zones (EPZ)/Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programs in different ways such as developing EPZ/SEZs infrastructure as well as manufacturing for exports and other commercial operations.

 

1. f) Market Facilities and work spaces

The growing number of market vendors in Kampala and the plan to decongest Kampala city means that traditional markets such as Owino and USAFI will be soon phased out. There is available suitable land for construction of markets and other work spaces in strategic points within the GKMA. This can be done through Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

 

1. g) Construction of Modern Abattoirs (Slaughter houses)

One of the major public health concerns in the GKMA is the status of the abattoir and the entire meat value chain. Handling of animals and slaughter houses leave a lot to be desired. The transportation, treatment, and slaughter of animals is generally carried out in haphazard and unregulated manner in diverse places. The main slaughter house was established in the 1930s but a combination of health hazards, poor hygiene, disease, social concerns, brutal treatment of the cattle, exacerbated by rapid urbanization experienced over the years, have attracted increasing levels of opprobrium in the industry which now demands for the isolation, sequester and regulation of animal slaughter houses.

 

As a way of improving Food Chain and hygiene, deliberate investments including the establishment of modern abattoirs with approved food handling and cold store systems, specialized system built outside city limits are paramount.

 

Government seeks to collaborate with different stakeholders to construct modern abattoir facilities, improve the standard of butcheries across the area to include improving butcher facilities, and training in hygiene and food handling.

 

1. h) Construction of ports / Marine services.

Construction of ports and landing sites to improve water transport from Entebbe to Jinja, Kampala, Mukono and Ssese Islands, Kisumu, Mwanza, Musoma and Bukoba is an investment opportunity and can drive intra-EAC trade. Leisure boats and cruise ships have high potential for investment.

 

1. i) Mining Opportunities

 

The GKMA area has a variety of mineral resources including kaolin, beryllium, Bismutotantalite, Amblygonite, clays, sand gravel, and construction materials such as granites.

Kaolin – According to the mineral locality report, deposits are found in Namasera, Migadde and Buwambo areas.

Kaolin, also called kaolinite, is a platy white clay used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Kaoline is an important ingredient in making medicine that treats diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, ulcers, sores, and internal swellings. It is also used in the manufacture of cosmetic products such as cleansers, shampoos, toothpastes, and beauty products.

 

Market size

The world demand for kaolin clay is US$1.8 billion in 2017(UN comtrade). Japan, Belgium, Germany, Finland and China are the world top 5 importing countries for this product. Uganda managed to export 685 tons of kaoline to Burundi, Rwanda and India earning just US$104 thousand in the same period which is an under-utilisation of this potentially massive resource. Considering the size of the world market and the availability of these mineral deposits in Wakiso, investing in commercial mining of kaolin for exports is commercially viable.

 

Granite Stones

There are huge deposits of quality granite stones in Masulita which can be used for making hard core granite tiles, fabrication of kitchen/table counter tops, tombstones, stone aggregate for road construction and reinforcing buildings. Given the pace of urbanization, real estate, infrastructure development  rapidly expanding and requiring granite stones, there are  big investment opportunities in quarrying in this area.

 

Amblygonite–Amblygonite is a fluorophosphate mineral, composed of lithium, sodium, aluminum, phosphate, fluoride and hydroxide. This mineral is used in the jewelry industry as gemstone. The Uganda Geological Survey also reports deposits of Amblygonite found in Gamba Hill, Nampeyo, Wakiso district. Investment opportunities therefore exist in commercial mining of this mineral.

 

Beryllium–Beryllium is also found in Gamba Hills, Nampeyo, Busiro, and Wakiso district. It has huge demand globally. The world demand for Beryllium in 2017 reached US$1.2 billion and a ton of beryllium costs somewhere between US$27,460 to US$155,836 depending on the country of origin. Looking at global demand and unit price for this mineral, investing in commercial mining of Beryllium would be viable.

 

Bismutotantalite –There are Bismutotantalite deposits also found in Gamba hills, Nampeyo, Busiro. However not much has been done in commercial exploitation of this mineral thus investment opportunity. Global demand for this mineral reached 8275 tons amounting to US$105.2 million in 2017 and the world price per ton was US$12,725.

 

1. j) Solid Waste Management and landfill management

Waste management is one of the primary and most visible functions of local government in GKMA and has a significant impact on key traded clusters (tourism, manufacturing, energy production), visitors’ impressions, including tourists, business people and potential investors. Trash is ubiquitous around GKMA, including at key tourism sites.

 

Waste in the GKMA is haphazardly collected, stored, transported and indiscriminately disposed of. The main type of garbage waste generated is bio-degradable which is mainly generated by households. The non-biodegradable waste is mainly generated by health centres, construction sites, industries and other institutions.

 

Investment opportunities in SWM include:

• Improve solid waste movement chain management
• Comprehensive GKMA-wide audit of existing dumpsites and current and future needs
• Open new, modern solid waste processing facilities and transfer facilities in strategic locations throughout GKMA. The system will cater for generation, collection, transportation, volume reduction systems, transfer stations and final disposal across the districts and the GKMA
• Establishment of modern garbage recycling plants
• Recycling of Polythene, plastic and paper for various end uses
• Generation of electricity from waste
• Provision of garbage and refuse disposal facilities
• Generation of manure for agricultural purposes

 

1. k) Real Estate Opportunities – The Urban Housing

The Urban Housing Project (UHP) is a housing development concept for low income earners on commercial basis – developing of housing units in an apartment form to be sold to low income earners on a cost sharing basis using the available condominium law.

 

The GKMA is known by many as a dormitory that hosts the highest number of people working in Kampala and also highest number of real estate owners. According to recent reports there exists an estimated housing estate of more than 300,000 units; a significant shortage of residential accommodation; a significant amount of the population lives in rented residential houses, and there are soaring prices of building/ construction materials, high costs of rent in towns as a result of increased demand.

 

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report revealed that Kampala alone has a housing deficit of 100,000 units. Investment Opportunities include:

• organized estates for middle income earners
• Provision of Housing Finance Services
• Low income housing for the high population
• Reorganisation of slum areas – there are over 58 slum areas in and around Kampala
• Engineering services such as civil and architectural services
• Sustainable stone and quarrying mining

 

1. l) Manufacturing
2. Packaging Materials

The packing industry includes all forms of printed paper and plastic packaging, woods, foil and glass packaging. Given the role of this sub-sector in supporting other industries (especially pharmaceuticals, horticultural products, beverages, edible oil, fish, and dairy products) in marketing and distribution generally, as well as in international trade. The developments in the manufacturing sector, especially the production of consumer goods, explain the increased demand for plastic packaging items. Investment opportunities exist in the production of boxes, corrugated cases (shuffle), cartons and labels, flexible packages, rigid plastics, and thin-walled plastics.

1. Construction & Building Materials

The GKMA has the highest population growth rate and the biggest number of firms engaged in the manufacture of construction and building materials in the country. As the urban society of the area extends, the demand for construction and building materials such as cement, sand, bricks, roofing products (tiles, iron sheets, nails), paint, concrete products etc. will continue to grow thus creating an investment opportunity.

 

1. m) Value Addition opportunities

The main agricultural production activities in the GKMA include coffee production, fishing, livestock farming, horticulture, maize production, vanilla, cocoa, bananas etc. There is a comparative advantage in processing these products. Investment opportunities therefore exist in: Fruit processing, Fish processing, Coffee processing (instant coffee production), Cereal processing for meal, banana & Irish potato processing for crisps, tannery processing plants (animal skin processing), milling and production of animal feeds etc.

 

1. n) Establishment of Artisan Parks

Underemployment and informal employment are one of the city’s biggest challenges. Job creation, particularly in traded industries, and targeted youth skilling are two imperatives of GKMA’s economic development strategy. When it comes to job creation, however, it is important to note that in addition to the number of jobs required to accommodate future growth, the quality of the jobs also matters. With young people entering GKMA’s job market at unprecedented rates, quality jobs are of paramount importance.

 

A key challenge for GKMA is to develop the conditions to support job growth and high wages in a diverse array of traded industries, and to encourage and support initiatives that can spur business development and job creation in the traded industries that can have significant impact in Greater Kampala.

 

This includes the construction of serviced premises where artisans can locate and work. The proposal is that these Parks are constructed and managed in partnership with the private sector and will help improve working conditions of micro enterprises. They will be specialized in similar or related industries such as art and crafts, woodwork, metal work, ceramics and pottery, among others. To help improve the quality and competitiveness of their products, modern state of the art common user facilities will be installed. To ensure reduced cost of electricity, the parks will be connected to industrial level grid. The artisans will also be provided training in market research and quality upgrading for a period of at least 6 months to improve the viability and market potential of their products. Each park will have a show room for artisans to display their products.

 

Examples of artisan parks being considered include: a) Metalwork; (ii) Woodwork & Crafts; (iii) Tourism crafts; (iv) Food Processing Park for MSMEs; (v) ICT / BPO hub.

 

1. o) Transport Services

As population numbers have continued to grow in the GKMA, so has the demand for modern and innovative transport modes. There currently exit investment opportunities in:

 

City Bus Services

The overall intention is to deliberately promote the use of high passenger volume public transport modes and discourage the use of low passenger volume vehicles that include 14-seater taxis and motorcycles (Boda Boda).

In conjunction with Private Sector Investors, Government is working on reintroducing the city bus services to systematically improve public transport with clear effective regulating regime to ensure attractiveness through reliable service at a predictable cost. The bus services is considered more ideal given the nature of the City roads and the need to reduce on the number of the 14-seater commuter taxis in the City.

 

Kampala Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) network

In conjunction with the Ministry of Works and Transport and UNRA, efforts are underway for the introduction of a BRT pilot phase of 25kms from Kireka to Bwaise with a spur to Zana on Entebbe Road.

 

The pilot will be the first step towards the introduction of an integrated transport service system that will align Non-Motorized Transport route and other traditional routes and systems. It is envisaged that this will transform the public transport service consequently eliminating all low volume modes of transport in the city and expanded into the GKMA.

 

Light rails (metro train) services

The medium-long term goal is the introduction of light rail transit system under a PPP arrangement to ease movement to and within the City. Introduction of the light rails will complement the other forms of transport and further augment public transport systems in the City and its suburbs.

 

City Parking Management

There are efforts to enter into Public Private Partnerships to construct modern public transport terminals with multi-storeyed parking facilities in Kampala City and other satellite sites across the GKMA as a strategy for decongesting the narrow roads and pave way for the introduction of mass transit systems in the area. For example, KCCA is planning to re-develop the Old Taxi Park, Usafi Park and the New Taxi Park into modern public transport terminals and a number of carefully selected places into multi-storeyed parking facilities. In partnership with the Private Sector, KCCA will encourage the establishment of public transport terminals in the City periphery and other prime areas to further decongest the City Centre.

 

1. p) Investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Due to rapid urbanization, the population of the GKMA is expected to reach 8 million by 2040, generating enormous administrative demand stemming from abrupt population growth. Given this rapid urbanization, the development of an e-Government system in the GKMA area using ICT will save time and cut costs in terms of delivering public services and information, while achieving both effectiveness and efficiency. At the same time, the need for e-Government is ever growing since it is a key enabler that guarantees the responsibility and transparency of the government.

 

Investment Opportunities abound in the following areas:

• e-business services
• ICT infrastructure and training, including extension to rural areas, call centers
• Logistics management
• Provision of Internet-related hardware and software, Broadband wireless Internet services among others.

 

1. q) Education Sector opportunities

Opportunities exist in:

• the provision of facilities and training services in primary and secondary schools
• investing in vocational training, polytechnics, technical and tertiary education

 

With most of the government adopting the universal education policy, private universities will continue to gain greater prominence, as the government needs private options to absorb the significantly large numbers of the primary and secondary students the education systems produce today.

 

Greater Kampala is also a prominent national and regional center of higher education. There are more than 40 universities in Uganda, most of them concentrated in Greater Kampala. Makerere University, one of the oldest and highest ranked institutions of higher education in Africa, located in Kampala, educates the vast majority of college students in Uganda, and hosts several thousand foreign students. There are also over 27 vocational and technical schools in Greater Kampala. The city’s educational institutions have expanded recently to include innovation hubs. Shared workspaces and incubators are popping up e.g. Hive Colab, Outbox Hub, Mara Launchpad, WITU and Makerere’s Microsoft Innovation Center and are serving as key players in the region’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.

 

1. r) Investment in Health Services

Healthcare comprises of hospitals, healthcare centers / dispensing pharmacies at lower levels and Clinics. The available facilities are indeed inadequate given the rapid population growth in the region and the influx of internal and external migrants.

Investment opportunities exist in the following area:

• the establishment of hospitals, clinics, dental facilities and other health units
• the establishment of modern diagnostic and testing facilities
• training of medical personnel in specialized medical care
• fabrication and supply of hospital equipment and furniture

 

1. s) Investing in Financial Services Sector

Investment potential exists in establishing commercial banks as well as other financial services like real-estate financing, lease finance, agricultural finance and advisory services, money lending and Savings Cooperatives etc. The rapid growth of the informal sector offers opportunities in the provision of credit and related services.

 

 

 

For further information contact:

Edemachu Monica Ejua, Principal Assistant Secretary

Tel: +256-772515561 +256-706543239

Emauil:monicaejua@gmail.com

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