President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed government agencies responsible for investment licensing to ensure investors receive all the essential services and infrastructure required to operationalise their projects without unnecessary delays.
The President made the directive while commissioning the NEC Tinned Beef and Beans Factory in Gomba District, a joint venture between the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and Lagwa Company Limited on Thursday.
The factory is expected to process beef and canned beans for both domestic and export markets, with a capacity to slaughter up to 150 cattle per day.
President Museveni said Uganda continues to attract investors, but some licensed projects have been delayed by the absence of essential support services, including electricity, water and access roads.
He cited the NEC Tinned Beef and Beans Factory, which experienced delays in commencing full operations due to inadequate electricity supply.
The President attributed the challenge to poor coordination between investment promotion agencies and government ministries responsible for providing key utilities.
He directed all relevant government institutions to work together to ensure investors receive the necessary support before and after their projects are licensed.
Museveni said the need to address such challenges informed his recent appointments in the investment sector, including the appointment of State Minister for Investment, Hajjat Anifa Kawooya Bangirana Mukalazi, to strengthen coordination and improve service delivery to investors.
The President also commended businessman Francis Lagwa, the private partner in the joint venture, for investing in Uganda’s agro-industrial sector.
He described the project as a strategic investment that will create jobs, promote value addition in the livestock sector and increase Uganda’s export earnings.
Museveni further pledged government support in mobilising adequate cattle supplies to enable the factory operate at full capacity and sustain beef processing for both local and international markets.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Energy Sidronius Opolot Okasaai assured the President and factory management that the government is implementing improvements in the electricity infrastructure to guarantee a reliable power supply and support uninterrupted production at the factory.
