The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) is due to take over the construction of the 25 industrial parks around the country.
This follows an agreement to terms between the Investment Authority (UIA) and the UPDF represented by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) the business arm of the UPDF.
The partnership was formally announced in a meeting between UIA’s Director General Robert Mukiza and the Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), Lt Gen James Mugira yesterday.
The idea of involving the army was mooted in May through a paper presented to the cabinet by State Minister for Investment Evelyn Anite.
In the paper, which was adopted by Cabinet and later approved by parliament, anite suggested 20 industrial parks in 20 sub-regions and Kampala.
The new industrial and business parks are planned for Arua, Gulu, Lira, Buliisa, Hoima, Nakasongola, Luwero-Nakaseke, Kabarole, Mubende, Mityana, Masaka, Kabale, Bushenyi, Tororo, Rakai and Iganga.
The plan also covers the construction of science, technology and innovation parks in Pakwach for northern Uganda, Kyankwanzi for central Uganda, Kamuli for eastern Uganda and Rubirizi for western Uganda.
