Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has urged Dr. Robert Kyamanywa, the newly appointed chairperson of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), to ensure that all investors are treated with care.
“Deal with investors well; make them your friends. This is a serious responsibility you must not mess with. I want every investor treated humanely and given assistance to set up investments and create jobs for our people,” Kasaija tasked the new board chair.
Kasaija made these comments during the inauguration of the new UIA board chairperson at the UIA offices on Wednesday.
The newly formed board, led by Kyamanywa, also includes Dr. Anna Nakanwagi, Dr. Patrick Wakida, Dr. John Baruhanga, Bridget Nambooze, and Faith Namakoye.
During the event, Minister Kasaija tasked the newly inaugurated UIA Board with advancing Uganda’s industrialisation and creating employment opportunities for the youth, stressing that industrialisation is crucial for Uganda’s economic stability.
The ceremony also marked the transition of leadership from outgoing UIA board chairperson Morrison to the incoming Kyamanywa, with Minister Kasaija and State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatisation, Evelyn Anite, in attendance.
Rwakakamba’s term concluded this month after an impressive six years leading Uganda’s primary investment promotion agency.
Kasaija expressed gratitude to the departing board led by Rwakakamba for their efforts in advancing Uganda’s industrialisation goals.
He encouraged them to collaborate and exchange ideas and experiences with the new board for the benefit of the country.
Minister Anite urged the newly appointed board to get started immediately, highlighting their responsibility to promote Uganda’s industrialisation.
Set up under the Investment Code 1991 (revised in 2019), the UIA is a semi-autonomous government organisation that fosters national economic growth and development in collaboration with the private sector.
As an investment promotion agency, the UIA primarily focuses on marketing investment opportunities, promoting structured investment projects, providing local and foreign investors with information about the business environment to help them make informed decisions, and offering support, advisory, and advocacy services for businesses.
