By Shamim Saad
April 20, 2026
The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has released Shs101 billion for the construction of 11 kilometers of roads within the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, in a move aimed at boosting infrastructure and attracting more investors.
The funding, allocated for the 2025/2026 financial year, was confirmed by Assistant Commissioner for Budget Policy and Evaluation, Oloo Joseph Majang. He noted that the long-standing challenge of poor road networks in the park will soon be resolved.
“Government has already released funds for road construction in the park. The issue of poor road infrastructure will soon be a thing of the past,” Majang assured stakeholders.
In addition to road upgrades, the government has earmarked Shs40 million to address drainage challenges linked to Namatala Swamp and River Nashibisho. The two have previously caused flooding in the area, most notably in 2022 when overflowing waters disrupted factory operations.
A further Shs5.1 billion has been released to tackle persistent electricity issues affecting businesses in the park.
Majang made these remarks during a visit to the industrial park on Friday, May 17, by officials from the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), the Ministry of Finance, and the Uganda Manufacturers Association. The visit followed a financial cooperation seminar held in Shanghai between August 17 and September 1, aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing Uganda’s industrialization agenda.
During the meeting, Johnson Mutesigensi, Coordinator of Public Finance Management at the Ministry of Finance, praised the UIA for convening the One-Stop Centre team to directly engage with investors.
He emphasized that addressing investor concerns promptly is critical to business growth, job creation, and national development, warning that unresolved challenges could drive investors to competing regional markets.
UIA’s Director of the One-Stop Centre, Justine Kasigwa Agaba, revealed plans to establish a regional One-Stop Centre in Mbale. The facility is expected to reduce the cost of doing business by bringing essential services closer to investors, eliminating the need to travel to Kampala.
“Implementation will begin once funding is secured,” she said.
Meanwhile, Director of Industrial Parks Development Christine Nagasha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment environment.
“We are focused on supporting both local and international investors, strengthening value chains, and accelerating Uganda’s transition into a competitive industrial economy. We are committed to resolving the challenges investors are facing,” she stated.
ENDS.
