Free Zone developers and operators in Uganda have received targeted training aimed at strengthening their understanding and application of environmental compliance requirements. The session, organized by the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA), brought together key industry players on December 9, 2025, at Speke Hotel in Kampala, with expert facilitation from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The training was designed to bridge gaps between policy and practice, giving developers an opportunity to openly discuss the real-world challenges they encounter when complying with environmental regulations. Particular attention was given to the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process, especially the use of NEMA’s digital licensing system, which many developers acknowledged as efficient but not without operational frustrations.
Several participants raised concerns about the limited feedback available after submitting applications through the online portal. Developers noted that while applications are acknowledged as “active,” there is often little to no detail regarding progress or timelines, making project planning difficult and increasing uncertainty for investors.
Stephen Mutyaba of Mahathi Infra Uganda Ltd. shared his company’s experience, explaining that once an application is submitted, developers are unable to track where it is within the approval chain. He cited a lakeshore permit application that had remained pending for three months at senior approval level, with no communication on its status, a situation he said affects timelines and costs.
UFZEPA’s Senior Manager for Special Economic Zones Operations and Compliance, Ms. Rebecca Nalumu, reassured participants of the Authority’s dedication to ensuring that Free Zone developments fully comply with national environmental laws. She emphasized that environmental responsibility should be viewed as a strategic investment advantage rather than a mere regulatory requirement.
Nalumu noted that strong environmental standards are essential for attracting credible, long-term investors and positioning Uganda’s Free Zones as competitive and sustainable hubs for export-led industrial growth. She stressed that compliance supports not only environmental protection but also the country’s broader economic ambitions.
NEMA’s Senior Environment Compliance Officer, Ms. Anita Ainomugisha, guided participants through Uganda’s environmental regulatory landscape, with a focus on ESIA certification procedures. She encouraged developers to engage regulators early, maintain consistent environmental monitoring, and strictly follow approved standards to avoid delays and ensure sustainable operations.
The session also highlighted the responsibilities of developers under the Free Zones (Amendment) Act, 2024, and underscored best practices for managing environmental risks. UFZEPA concluded by applauding the active engagement of participants and reaffirmed that close cooperation between regulators, developers, and government institutions remains critical to building a resilient, environmentally responsible, and export-driven Free Zones sector in Uganda.
