The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, on Sunday hosted a high-level delegation of leading Chinese enterprises in Buyende District, marking a significant step forward in strengthening investment ties between Uganda and the People's Republic of China.
The visiting delegation comprises companies with expertise across key sectors, including renewable energy, smart grid infrastructure, textiles and manufacturing, health and biotechnology, as well as industrial materials and infrastructure development.
Speaking during the meeting, Minister Babalanda expressed appreciation to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Visa Service Co., Ltd. for organising and facilitating the investment mission.
“This engagement marks yet another milestone in the growing cooperation between Uganda and the People’s Republic of China, a relationship that builds on the strong foundation laid during the recent official visit by Ugandan representatives to Hangzhou City in Zhejiang Province,” she said.
Minister Babalanda noted that the earlier visit to Hangzhou provided valuable insights into China’s advancements in technology, industrialisation, and infrastructure development, while also opening up opportunities for collaboration aligned with Uganda’s development priorities.
“We are therefore grateful that the discussions we held are now progressing into practical engagement on the ground,” she said.
Minister Babalanda described the delegation’s visit to Buyende as a clear demonstration of commitment to exploring meaningful partnerships and investment opportunities within Uganda.
During the engagement, she stated Buyende District’s readiness to host investment projects, revealing that land is available for the establishment of an industrial park and other viable ventures.
“Buyende District is ready and fully prepared to host investments. We are willing to allocate land for an industrial park as part of our broader strategy to promote industrialisation, create employment opportunities, and improve household incomes,” she said.
Minister Babalanda further emphasised that the district offers a conducive investment environment, supported by available land, cooperative local leadership, and a population eager to participate in development initiatives.
However, Minister Babalanda also underscored critical infrastructure gaps that require urgent attention to unlock the district’s full potential. These include the need for improved road networks to enhance connectivity, investment in water and sanitation systems to support both communities and industries, and expanded access to reliable and sustainable energy.
“Expanding access to energy, particularly through renewable solutions, remains critical. This is why your expertise in solar, hydropower, and energy storage solutions is of great importance to our people,” she said.
In the manufacturing sector, Minister Babalanda encouraged investments in textiles and garments to add value to local resources, create jobs, and boost exports. She also pointed to opportunities in health and biotechnology to strengthen Uganda’s healthcare systems through modern diagnostics and medical technologies.
Additionally, Minister Babalanda highlighted the importance of collaboration in infrastructure and industrial materials to support the construction of roads, buildings, and industrial facilities.
Reaffirming government support, Minister Babalanda assured the delegation of Uganda’s commitment to creating a favourable investment climate.
“The Government of Uganda is committed to supporting credible investors and putting in place policies and frameworks that facilitate efficient investment processes. We are ready to work closely with you through relevant ministries and agencies,” she said.
Minister Babalanda also encouraged the adoption of public-private partnerships as a sustainable model for implementing large-scale development projects.
Minister Babalanda invited the delegation to prioritise Buyende District for investment, undertake site visits, and conduct feasibility studies while engaging both central and local government stakeholders.
“We are optimistic that your visit will mark the beginning of a long-term partnership that will drive industrialisation, create employment, and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of our people,” she said.
