At least 189 investors have approached the State House Investors Protection Unit (SH-IPU) under the leadership of Col Edith Nakalema, citing various frustrations in their interactions with government agencies and ministries. In a meeting with communication officers from different government entities, Col Nakalema revealed that local investors reported more complaints (96) compared to their foreign counterparts since the establishment of SH-IPU in September last year.
| Investor Complaints | Major Issues |
|---|---|
| Local Investors | Unfair taxation and high cost of doing business in Uganda. |
| Foreign Investors | Fraud, diversion from the airport, bribery, use of false documents, and delayed decision-making by officials from different MDAs. |
SH-IPU, established by President Museveni, aims to create a corruption-free investment environment by coordinating investigations, supporting dispute resolution, and engaging with relevant agencies. Col Nakalema highlighted positive responses from government entities, including the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Ministry of Finance, which have sensitized local investors about their rights and available benefits.
For foreign investors, agencies like the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) have taken action to address issues raised. Col Nakalema introduced the SH-IP Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP), aiding investors by providing prior information to overcome challenges and avoid fraudulent activities.
Government communicators expressed their support for SH-IPU, emphasizing efforts to fight fraud. URA spokesperson Mr. Ibrahim Bbosa mentioned improved processes for ease of access to information, while UIA spokesperson Mr. David Rupiny emphasized diligent service to investors.
