President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has for the first time explained the reasons behind changes made in the investment sector, months after former State Minister for Investment Evelyn Anite was dropped from Cabinet.
While commissioning the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Tinned Beef and Beans Factory in Gomba District, Museveni said government needed stronger coordination among different agencies to ensure investors receive the support they need after obtaining licences.
Although the President did not directly mention Anite’s name, his remarks were interpreted as an explanation of why new leadership was introduced in the investment docket.
Museveni expressed concern that some investors approved by government had continued facing unnecessary challenges because key infrastructure such as electricity, water and roads was not available when their projects were ready to begin operations.
He said government institutions must work together instead of operating separately, arguing that approving an investment without preparing the necessary support systems creates frustration for investors.
“Once the Uganda Investment Authority licenses a factory, the government should already know where it is going to operate and ensure all the necessary infrastructure is available,” Museveni said.
The President gave the example of the newly commissioned Gomba factory, explaining that despite receiving the required approvals, its operations were delayed because it lacked access to electricity.
According to Museveni, such failures were a result of poor coordination between government institutions responsible for investment promotion, infrastructure and service delivery.
He said this situation informed his decision to bring in new leaders who would focus on improving coordination and removing obstacles affecting investors.
“I have now brought in new leaders to ensure better coordination and remove these bottlenecks,” Museveni said.
The President expressed confidence that the new team would improve Uganda’s investment environment by ensuring investors receive timely support from government agencies.
Following the Cabinet reshuffle, Hajjat Aminah Mukalazi was appointed as the new State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Privatisation and Investment.
Her appointment came after Anite, who had served in the investment ministry, was removed from Cabinet.
Anite had been one of the most visible ministers in the investment sector, often engaging investors and promoting Uganda as a destination for business opportunities.
However, her tenure was also marked by public disagreements within the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), particularly over management issues and the direction of the agency.
The disagreements between Anite and UIA Director General Robert Mukiza attracted public attention, with both sides at times appearing to hold different views on how investment matters should be handled.
Museveni’s latest comments suggest that the government’s priority is now to create a more coordinated system where different agencies work together to support investors.
The President said ministers should take responsibility for their sectors and actively follow up on challenges instead of waiting for problems to become bigger.
He described ministers as “pastors” of their respective areas, saying they must guide, supervise and ensure that services are delivered effectively.
During the same event, Museveni praised businessman Francis Lagwa for partnering with NEC to establish the modern beef processing factory.
The President said the facility represents Uganda’s continued efforts toward industrialisation, value addition and increasing the country’s production capacity.
The NEC-Lagwa factory has the ability to process beef for both local and export markets, with a reported capacity to slaughter up to 150 cattle daily.
Museveni said government would continue supporting such projects because value addition is important in growing Uganda’s economy and creating more opportunities for citizens.
Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka also revealed that the government was considering purchasing canned beef from the factory to support feeding programmes for UPDF soldiers.
NEC Managing Director Lt. Gen. James Mugira encouraged government institutions to prioritise locally produced goods, saying such decisions would strengthen local industries and create more jobs.
The President’s remarks have renewed discussion about the changes in the investment ministry, with many observers watching how the new leadership will address the coordination challenges he highlighted.
