Written by Moses Mugalu (Observer)
The vice president, Edward Ssekandi, and Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga will lead a high-profile delegation to the Uganda Investment Convention UK due in London later this year.
The annual convention, organized by the Ugandan diaspora in the United Kingdom, is set for September 16 to 22 in East London. Willy Mutenza, the main architect of the event, says more than 1,000 delegates including government officials, private sector leaders and entrepreneurs will attend.
According to Mutenza, the meeting will provide a unique platform for Ugandan entrepreneurs and international business community experts to discuss ventures, investment opportunities and ways to achieve sustainable economic development.
Ugandan officials, who will include trade minister Amelia Kyambadde, her deputy Evelyn Anite (the state minister for privatization and investment) and Works State Minister Edward Katumba Wamala have the chance to convince potential investors to seek business opportunities in Uganda. The country expects much interest in priority sectors such as mining, agribusiness, tourism and health.
With Bank of Uganda deputy governor Dr Louis A. Kasekende also on the delegation, discussions on key foreign direct investments are expected to take centre stage during the five-day gathering.
For the last six years, the convention has provided a forum for Ugandans in the UK to learn about investment opportunities back home. Mutenza says more than $5 million (Sh 18 billion) has been invested in a maize processing plant in Uganda after last year’s meeting.
Another $8 million (Shs 29 billion), he says, has been invested by a UK-based property developer into modern up-market apartments.
Furthermore, Mutenza notes that several Ugandans from the diaspora have relocated to Uganda and are enjoying successful ventures.
Speakers at the convention from the private sector will include NBS Television chief executive officer Kin Kariisa, Centenary bank executive director Simon Kagugube and Barbara Mulwana Kulubya, executive director of Nice House of Plastics.
