State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) head Col. Edith Nakalema has instructed government ministries and agencies to urgently speed up regulatory approvals for the proposed Korean Industrial Complex in Mukono, saying ongoing delays are discouraging committed investors.
The directive came during a meeting convened by SHIPU that brought together Korean investors from Livingstone Construction Limited, Seohyun Foundation and Nuvira Investments Uganda, represented by Maj Gen (Rtd) David Wakaalo.
The session also included officials from key government institutions such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Investment Authority, NEMA and the Ministry of Agriculture, among others. Former Attorney General Fredrick Ruhindi also attended.
Nakalema said the Korean group, which has operated in Uganda for more than 15 years, has already secured land and wants to develop an industrial complex focused on renewable energy, agro-processing, electronics and medical equipment.
She said the investors’ main requests revolve around faster approvals and tax incentives for imported machinery and raw materials.
“They are requesting for fast-tracking approvals, but also a consideration for tax exemption on machinery and raw materials import,” she said, noting that heavy taxation has slowed progress despite presidential instructions to ease the investment process.
The investors are also seeking a 10-year duty-free period to help the industries within the complex take off, along with clear guidance on site selection, permitting and coordination with Mukono District authorities.
Nakalema called on URA, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy to work more closely with the investors to ensure that government fulfils its investment facilitation commitments.
She said Uganda must maintain a secure, transparent and predictable environment to attract large-scale projects.
Speaking at the meeting, Korean investor Mr Wan Joo Song praised Uganda’s potential, citing its favourable climate and youthful population.
He said his companies are part of the Korean Christian Businessmen Club (CBMC), a decades-old network of influential business leaders.
“Every Korean who has visited Uganda loves it. We want to invest here and help Uganda fast-track development,” Song said.
He noted that their organisations have already established schools, built churches and invested heavily in agriculture, including mango, teak, cattle and maize projects, alongside maize and posho processing operations.
A mango processing plant is also set to be launched soon.
The group’s next plan is to develop a shea butter factory in partnership with KOICA, financed initially through the Seohyun Foundation. Separate plans are underway for another industrial complex in Bukono.
Song said more than 330 CBMC-linked companies have visited Uganda in recent years, expressing strong interest in the country but also highlighting bureaucratic delays that slow project execution.
He urged the government to accelerate facilitation mechanisms, pointing to South Korea’s rapid development as an example of what focused investment and partnership can achieve.