The Liao Shen Industrial Park in Kapeeka, Nakaseke District, on Saturday celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of transformation from a quiet rural area into one of Uganda’s fastest-growing manufacturing hubs.
Speaking at the celebrations, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, said the industrial park model remains the most suitable approach for countries like Uganda because it concentrates key infrastructure, such as electricity, roads and water, within one zone, making it easier to attract and retain investors.
Dr. Ggoobi noted that the area, once a simple maize field 12 years ago, has now become a symbol of Uganda’s industrialisation journey. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the growth of industrial parks across the country, revealing plans to develop at least 24 parks nationwide.
He emphasized the need for all parks to boost local content by using locally sourced materials and equipping young Ugandans with practical, transferable skills. Dr. Ggoobi also highlighted the importance of creating decent employment, posing the question of how Uganda can steadily provide well-paying, dignified jobs. He added that the government will continue offering incentives to investors who align with national development goals.
The Chief Guest, Gen. Salim Saleh—the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence—hailed the park’s progress, noting that production has surged from the initial dream of 50 products to more than 1,000 products currently manufactured within the facility.
He added that the park has created more than 36,000 jobs, with locally made goods now reaching markets across the region.
However, Gen. Saleh urged leaders from the area, including former Finance Minister Syda Bbumba, to find sustainable solutions to the persistent poverty and unemployment affecting communities surrounding the park. He said that while the park has brought opportunities, more must be done to ensure that neighbouring communities fully benefit from the industrial growth.
The celebrations marked a significant milestone for the Liao Shen Industrial Park, which continues to play a key role in advancing Uganda’s industrial and economic transformation agenda.
