By Shamim Saad
The Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Robert Mukiza, has been honoured with the prestigious “Excellence in Investment Promotion Award” during the 2024 edition of the Consumer Choice Awards.
The award, handed on 6 September 2024 at the Award’s seventh edition at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala, recognized Mukiza’s “outstanding leadership and contributions to promoting and facilitating investments in Uganda”.
The event, themed “Celebrating Excellence: Honoring Business Success and Individual Leadership,” celebrated both corporate achievements and individual leadership. It was presided over by Amelia Kyambadde, the Presidential Advisor on Industry, who represented Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo.
In his congratulatory message, Salim Bari, CEO of the Consumer Choice Awards, praised Mukiza for his pivotal role in boosting Uganda’s investment landscape. “This award recognizes your outstanding efforts and significant contributions in promoting and facilitating investment in Uganda,” he said.
As a guest speaker, Mukiza shared his insights on the future of investment in Uganda, discussing key opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends. He highlighted the critical role that Uganda plays in Africa’s investment ecosystem and provided a roadmap for overcoming regulatory hurdles.
Mukiza also detailed the incentives UIA offers to investors, which include tax holidays, duty-free importation of machinery for agro-processing, and assistance navigating regulatory frameworks.
“By obtaining our investment license, you will have access to key incentives like a 10-year tax holiday for agro-processors operating in industrial parks and free zones,” he noted.
Emphasizing UIA’s mission to support investors, Mukiza encouraged local businesses to explore manufacturing, which is facilitated by partnerships with organizations like the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) and the Global Competitive Initiative (GCI).
“With institutions like UDB offering affordable financing, we are here to guide and assist investors every step of the way,” he added.
Mukiza also reflected on Uganda’s recent international success, noting that the country was recognized as the best investment destination in Africa in 2023 during a global investor gala at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This achievement was a testament to Uganda’s growing reputation as a prime location for investment opportunities.
Through the efforts of leaders like Mukiza, Uganda continues to position itself as a dynamic hub for global investment, with UIA at the forefront of ensuring that both local and international investors thrive in the country’s burgeoning business environment.
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