The State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) and officials from the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) recently met to explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at promoting investments in Uganda.
During a meeting held at the State House Investors Protection Unit Offices in Kampala last week, Col. Edith Nakalema, the head of the unit, praised the leadership of UNCCI for their efforts in advocating for and safeguarding the interests of the business community in Uganda.
Col. Nakalema expressed gratitude for UNCCI’s role in promoting businesses, stating that the chamber has played a significant role in fostering the growth of businesses and contributing to the country’s development.
She highlighted the importance of businesspeople affiliated with the chamber in driving investments in the country, emphasizing their role as sources of income and value addition to Ugandan products.
Col. Nakalema explained that SHIPU, initiated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, aims to coordinate stakeholders to create a secure investment environment. She welcomed any collaboration with the unit to further its objectives.
Acknowledging the approach from UNCCI for potential collaboration, Col. Nakalema emphasized the chamber’s significance as an engine of growth that the government can rely on to transform the economy.
She also provided insights to UNCCI members on leveraging the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, an initiative of SHIPU launched by President Museveni. The portal aims to safeguard investment processes in the country by allowing inquiries, complaints, and feedback related to investments.
Col. Nakalema highlighted the portal’s functions, including guiding investors, reporting mechanisms, support enforcement, and feedback collection, underscoring its importance in addressing fraud and ensuring timely responses to investors.
Ms. Olive Kigongo, President of UNCCI, reiterated the chamber’s commitment to promoting and protecting the interests of the business community. She expressed readiness to collaborate with SHIPU to enhance Uganda’s investment sector.
Ms. Kigongo emphasized UNCCI’s multi-sectoral nature and its extensive network, spanning locally, regionally, and internationally, which enables quick responses to inquiries and complaints about business opportunities.
She also highlighted UNCCI’s capacity to conduct due diligence to identify genuine investment opportunities and investors, expressing eagerness to work with SHIPU to facilitate investments.
Hon. Anne Mary Tumwine, Woman Member of Parliament for Ntoroko District, emphasized the importance of investors in advancing the country’s development, while former Attorney General Mr. Fred Ruhindi commended Col. Nakalema’s efforts in creating a secure investment environment.
Mr. Thomas Makundane, Chairperson of UNCCI Mbarara City, suggested establishing regional investment protection offices and a voluntary oversight team in every district to ensure investor protection and a conducive investment climate.
The meeting, attended by representatives from various regions of the country, aimed to foster collaboration between SHIPU and UNCCI to promote investments and strengthen Uganda’s economy.
