President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on communities near Kapeeka Industrial Park to take advantage of the economic opportunities it offers to improve their livelihoods. He made this appeal on September 27, 2024, while opening a two-day trade fair at Namunkekera Agro-Processing Limited in Nakaseke District.
In his speech, President Museveni praised General Salim Saleh for his foresight in securing land for the industrial park, a move he said has contributed to Uganda’s industrialization efforts. He also thanked investors for their role in the country's economic growth. "I thank the investors who have responded positively to our call to invest in Uganda. Their contributions are vital to our economic progress," Museveni remarked.
Museveni emphasized the need for local communities to market their products through the industrial park to enhance their household incomes. "My appeal to our people is to take full advantage of the opportunities the industrial park offers to boost their incomes and livelihoods," he urged.
Farmers at the event requested UGX 4.4 billion in financial support to increase their SACCO’s production capacity. Museveni acknowledged their request, while also addressing the ongoing land disputes affecting veterans, promising that no one would be forcibly evicted from their land. He vowed to work with Gen. Saleh to resolve these conflicts.
Kapeeka’s Role in Uganda’s Economic Transformation
Vice President Jessica Alupo commended Kapeeka Industrial Park for its pivotal role in Uganda's import substitution strategy, highlighting that the 28 factories in the park employ over 15,000 people. "Kapeeka is a shining example of how industrialization can create jobs and contribute to economic growth," Alupo said.
Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, credited President Museveni’s commitment to industrialization as a driving force behind Uganda's economic development. Hon. Alice Kaboyo, Minister of State for the Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, added that Kapeeka, once synonymous with war, had now become an industrial hub. She credited Museveni’s leadership for this transformation.
Hon. Evelyn Anite, the Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, also echoed the importance of the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative. She encouraged Ugandans to support locally produced goods, explaining that this would generate more revenue and jobs for the nation.
Kapeeka Industrial Park has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s growing industrial sector, contributing to employment and the country’s GDP growth, and serving as a beacon of Uganda’s broader development goals.
