UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The State House Investor Protection Unit has seen an influx of foreign investors filing complaints about bureaucratic hurdles, red tape, and delays in the issuance of investment permits.
According to Col Edith Nakalema, the head of the unit, since its establishment in May this year, they have held more than 40 meetings with various investors.
The majority of these investors, primarily Chinese and Indians, voice concerns about delays encountered in different government offices.
Nakalema, speaking during a press conference in Kampala, pointed out that over half of the 47 meetings held have involved foreign investors who find it challenging to proceed with their investments due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and red tape in some government offices.
She attributed these issues to a lack of patriotism among certain officials.
To streamline the process for foreign investors, Nakalema revealed that she has conducted meetings with the Directorate of Immigration and Citizenship, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant ministries and agencies.
Their goal is to improve the entry and exit procedures at Entebbe International Airport and other key points of entry and exit. She emphasised that these efforts aim to address problems such as fraudulent activities at the airport.
The unit is also working closely with various government agencies responsible for promoting Uganda as a desirable investment destination to ensure that all processes run smoothly.
Despite her role primarily being focused on investor protection, Nakalema stated that her office continues to receive complaints from local individuals regarding land grabbing, evictions, and other corruption-related cases.
However, these matters no longer fall within her jurisdiction. Instead, she coordinates with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, to which such cases are referred.
Additionally, her office collaborates with other government agencies to ensure that cases beyond her mandate are directed to the appropriate entities.
Brig Gen Henry Isoke, the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, clarified that his office doesn’t directly handle investor issues but assists in investigations and prosecutions when fraud is detected in obtaining necessary paperwork.
His unit comprises lawyers and investigators who are readily available to address corruption-related cases.
President Museveni established the State House Investor Protection Unit with a mandate to arrest and prosecute individuals who obstruct investment by soliciting bribes to expedite the licensing and permitting processes.
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