The Ugandan government has reaffirmed its commitment to investor protection, as Japanese automobile giant Yoshino Motors plans to expand its footprint in the country.
On July 30, 2025, Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), met with Yoshino Motors’ Chief Executive Officer, Shunsuke Nakanishi, and Uganda Managing Director, Abas Ali, at SHIPU offices in Kampala.
The visit marked 13 years since Yoshino Motors began operations in Uganda, during which the company has created over 50 jobs and contributed significantly to the local automotive sector.
“We are happy and honored to receive the CEO of Yoshino, a reputable group of companies from Japan,” said Col. Nakalema. “Africa, and in particular Uganda, still holds immense potential for companies like yours to grow.”
Col. Nakalema assured Yoshino executives of the government’s strong stance on protecting legitimate investors through efficient and transparent systems. She highlighted the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal—hosted by NITA-U—as a one-stop platform offering verified access to government services.
“His Excellency the President guided that to eliminate wrong elements—the so-called middlemen—we use online services to reach authentic government MDAs,” she said. “You will find Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, and Uganda Investment Authority all accessible in one place.”
She encouraged Yoshino Motors to explore new sectors in Uganda beyond automobile trading and praised the company’s legacy that dates back to 1959, when it was founded by Mr. Nakanishi’s grandfather.
“In Japan and India, the investments that were started by your grandfathers continue growing in their names through their children and grandchildren. It’s a great lesson to us,” she said.
Nakanishi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the company’s confidence in Uganda’s market.
“Our company was established in 1959 by my grandfather. Thirteen years ago, we chose to invest in Uganda. From our view, Africa, and Uganda in particular, is a growing market with many features that make it attractive. We don’t hesitate to put more investment here,” he said.
He noted the usefulness of Uganda’s digital investment systems and expressed interest in expanding into vehicle production, parts manufacturing, and local partnerships.
The meeting also included Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority, who suggested potential collaboration in the use of Ugandan wood for vehicle interiors.
“For some of your vehicles, we know wood is used for interiors. Uganda has the potential to provide that wood. You don’t even need to carry it abroad; you can manufacture the vehicles from here,” he said.
Maniraguha also urged the company to continue its shift toward hybrid and energy-efficient vehicles, aligning with global efforts to reduce emissions.
Col. Nakalema emphasized Uganda’s rising global reputation as an investment destination. She cited recognitions from the Oxford School of Economics, which ranked Uganda third globally for investment attractiveness, and the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi, which awarded Uganda as Africa’s most stable and rewarding economy for two consecutive years.
“We continue to give confidence to all our esteemed investors,” she said. “The government has created an environment where you are protected, where infrastructure supports your needs, and where value addition is prioritized.”
She concluded with an open invitation to all credible investors, stating, “The protection of investors remains a top priority of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda. This office—the State House Investors Protection Unit—is open full time. You are always welcome.”
Uganda continues to position itself as a transparent, peaceful, and profitable hub for international business.
