UGANDA, Namanve | Real Muloodi News | Significant infrastructure upgrades at the Namanve Industrial and Business Park in Mukono District have catalysed a remarkable surge in industrial activities, marking a transformative phase in the region’s economic landscape.
Spearheaded by the Government of Uganda, these upgrades have ushered in a new era of development and growth for the industrial hub.
The Namanve Industrial Park, once grappling with a limited industrial presence, has undergone a remarkable transformation, primarily attributed to comprehensive infrastructure enhancements.
These upgrades, financed through contractor-facilitated financing arrangements, encompass the development of extensive road networks spanning over 44 kilometres, the construction of bridges, the installation of advanced traffic management systems, the deployment of solar lighting solutions, and the establishment of robust water and power distribution systems.
Before 2016, the industrial park faced considerable challenges, with only 22 operational factories struggling amidst the geographical constraints of the region.
However, concerted efforts and strategic investments have led to a substantial increase in industrial activities, with the park now hosting 258 operational factories.
State Minister for Investment and Privatisation, Evelyn Anite, anticipates the number to reach 500 by the close of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the park’s evolution into a thriving industrial hub.
The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with UK-based contractor Lagan Group Ltd, has further bolstered infrastructure development through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement encompasses the implementation of additional infrastructure projects, including the establishment of a fibre optic grid and a state-of-the-art Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) network, aimed at enhancing security and connectivity within the park.
Furthermore, plans are underway to acquire 20 acres of land for the construction of dedicated workspaces tailored for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), alongside the development of a comprehensive sewerage network and a waste treatment system.
However, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija emphasised the importance of obtaining clearance from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) before land procurement to mitigate potential legal disputes with the local community.
Despite the notable progress achieved, certain challenges persist within the industrial park. Martin Ssentongo, operating a seed production storage facility, highlighted the adverse effects of delayed park completion on transportation, primarily due to poor road conditions.
Additionally, Paul Kato, a worker at a medical gloves production plant, underscored the disruptive impact of recurrent power outages on daily operations.
In 2019, the government secured a substantial loan amounting to a trillion Shillings from the UK Government to finance the Namanve Industrial Park development.
However, delays in project completion, originally slated for 2023, were attributed to the incompetence of the Owner’s Engineer consortium, leading to the termination of their contract by the government.
The ongoing construction phase of the Namanve Project has emerged as a significant source of employment, providing livelihood opportunities for over 25,000 individuals in the short term.
Once fully operational, the industrial park is projected to generate more than 200,000 jobs, offering a substantial boost to employment prospects and contributing to broader socio-economic development objectives.
Spanning across 2,209 acres along the Kampala-Jinja highway, the Namanve Industrial Park, also known as the Kampala Industrial and Business Park (KIBP), stands as the largest industrial park in Uganda.
Established in 1991 and operated by the Uganda Investment Authority, the park serves as a pivotal catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and industrial advancement, playing a pivotal role in positioning Uganda as a regional economic powerhouse.
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