UGANDA, Mbale | Real Muloodi News | The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park stands as a beacon of hope, empowering women and fostering gender equality within its premises.
With over 3,500 women in its workforce, this industrial park located in Mbale City has become a symbol of progress and opportunity for women seeking employment and career advancement.
Carol Kayegi, a single mother of three, shares her journey: “I have been a receptionist at the industrial park for three years now. Before joining, I was in a marriage that failed to work out, and I came back home to Mbale. Life was extremely hard for me, and I started searching for jobs to take care of my children.”
Luck favoured Kayegi when she applied for a job at the industrial park and received immediate positive feedback.
“I have been able to provide for my children and take them to school,” she says.
Jackline Natuga, a field supervisor in administration, echoes Kayegi’s sentiments, highlighting the favourable working environment at the industrial park. “When I came here, I knew nobody. I just submitted my application, did the interview, and got the job,” Natuga remarks.
These women are just two examples of the many who have found employment opportunities and support at the Mbale Industrial Park.
Officially commissioned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in August of 2023, the Mbale Industrial Park has transformed a once barren landscape into a thriving centre of economic activity.
President Museveni remarked during the park’s launch, “You may recall that this location was a bush a few years ago, but now we have a labour force of 2,000 and 36 factories here.”
The workforce has since expanded, providing vital employment opportunities for both women and men alike.
Aisha Tabala, the park’s assistant administrator, emphasises the efforts made to ensure gender equality and support women in leadership roles within the facility.
“We have put in place so many efforts to ensure that every woman is supported at her workplace,” Tabala says.
Measures include pay equity, flexible work arrangements, anti-discrimination and harassment policies, and avenues for complaint resolution.
Sharon Nashali, another field supervisor, recounts her journey from a casual worker to a valued member of the park’s leadership team.
“All they asked me when I came in to apply was whether I had an identification card. I came in as a casual, but I have scaled through the ranks,” Nashali explains.
Suggestion boxes placed around the park provide a channel for employees to voice concerns anonymously, ensuring a supportive and inclusive work environment.
The Mbale Industrial Park, spanning 619 acres in the Mbale District, has emerged as a vital driver of economic growth and innovation.
President Museveni highlighted its significance during its inauguration, stating, “The factories here will produce items such as electric cables, electric meters, clothes, LED lights, and numerous other products.”
This initiative aims to reduce imports and generate employment opportunities.
Established through a partnership between the Government of Uganda and M/S Tangshan in 2018, the industrial park has attracted investors seeking serviced plots for their operations.
Equipped with the first mobile substation in Uganda and linked to the Tororo-Soroti power line, the park ensures an uninterrupted power supply for its activities.
Plans are underway to establish a permanent substation to address long-term power needs.
Currently employing approximately 6,000 individuals, the Mbale Industrial Park is projected to create jobs for over 200,000 people from the local community once fully operational.
Recognised by the Chinese government for its potential, the park strategically positions Uganda for economic growth and collaboration under the “Belt and Road” initiative.
Its location between Kampala and the Kenyan border facilitates efficient distribution of goods, enhancing regional trade and commerce.
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