Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has created about 15,000 jobs and expects the number to rise to 20,000 as more factories open.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi disclosed the figures during a tour of the 650-acre industrial park in Mbale.
He praised President Museveni for attracting investors to Uganda. He also commended the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) for managing the park and supporting manufacturers.
UIA Director General Robert Mukiza joined the minister on the tour. Officials from Tian Tang Group, including director Luke Wang and deputy managing director Owen Jin, also attended.
Barugahara said the site had changed from undeveloped land into a major manufacturing centre. He said the factories had created jobs and improved household incomes across eastern Uganda.
He recalled President Museveni’s argument that factories could create more jobs than farming on the same land.
“Today, about 15,000 young people are benefiting from the park, with a target of reaching 20,000 jobs once the remaining factory capacity is filled,” Barugahara said.
He praised the workers and promised that the government would address the challenges affecting them.
The minister urged young people in Mbale and neighbouring districts to seek jobs and training opportunities at the park.
He said some workers may earn modest wages but gain skills, discipline, experience and exposure that could improve their future prospects.
Barugahara’s visit formed part of the government’s engagement with investors. The government wants to understand their operations and resolve obstacles affecting production.
Mukiza thanked the minister for meeting investors and workers. He pledged UIA’s support for businesses operating in Uganda’s industrial parks.
“We want to support our investors and ensure that the challenges affecting their operations are addressed,” Mukiza said.
He said UIA sought to create an environment in which businesses could expand, employ more people and support Uganda’s industrial growth.
The Mbale park hosts factories involved in manufacturing and value addition. Its continued expansion could create more jobs, increase local production and support economic growth across eastern Uganda.
