Gulu City, Uganda: The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) has launched the Acholi Sub-region Investment Profile, positioning Northern Uganda as an emerging agro-industrial hub and strategic investment destination with vast opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, mining, and real estate.
The investment profile, unveiled in Gulu City, is expected to serve as a comprehensive roadmap for investors seeking opportunities in the eight districts of the Acholi sub-region, while providing detailed information on available resources, infrastructure, market potential, and priority sectors for investment.
The initiative forms part of government efforts to accelerate industrialization, promote regional economic development, and attract both domestic and foreign investment into Northern Uganda.
Speaking during the launch, Mr Richard Nuwenyusiga, Director of the Domestic Investments Directorate who represented UIA Director general Robert Mukiza said the profile is intended to showcase Acholi’s economic potential to investors within Uganda and internationally.
“We want investors from Uganda and beyond to understand the immense potential that exists in Acholi. This profile provides detailed information on investment opportunities, allowing investors of all scales to identify profitable ventures and participate in transforming the regional economy,” Nuwenyusiga said.
He explained that the document identifies opportunities across multiple sectors, including commercial agriculture, agro-processing, livestock production, tourism, mineral development, logistics, manufacturing, and value addition enterprises.
According to UIA, Acholi possesses significant competitive advantages, including vast arable land, favorable climatic conditions, growing urban centers, strategic access to regional markets, and abundant natural resources that position it as one of Uganda’s most promising investment frontiers.
The sub-region’s location along major transport corridors connecting Uganda to South Sudan and other East African markets further strengthens its potential as a logistics and trade hub.
Nuwenyusiga challenged local entrepreneurs and business leaders to take advantage of the opportunities outlined in the profile and formally register their investment interests with the authority.
“Before I leave Gulu today, I would like to have a list of people willing to invest in Acholi. Once you obtain an investment licence from UIA, you gain access to a range of services and incentives that can support your business growth,” he said.
He noted that licensed investors benefit from investment facilitation services, access to serviced industrial parks, business advisory support, assistance in obtaining regulatory approvals, and linkages to financing opportunities designed to support industrial development.
Nuwenyusiga also revealed that UIA is increasingly focusing on supporting Ugandan traders to transition from simple trading activities into manufacturing and value addition enterprises, which he described as critical for creating jobs and increasing household incomes.
“Uganda’s future lies in value addition and industrialization. We want our people to move beyond buying and selling and become producers capable of competing in regional and international markets,” he said.
He further tasked district commercial officers across Acholi to play a more proactive role in identifying investment opportunities and linking entrepreneurs to available government support programs.
The Acholi Sub-region Investment Profile was developed under the guidance of Gen. Salim Saleh through Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), which has been championing initiatives aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Northern Uganda.
According to Mr. Kenneth Oketayot, Team Leader of the Acholi Sub-region Investment Profile, the project involved extensive field research and consultations with stakeholders across the region.
Oketayot said the team worked closely with district technical officers, political leaders, cultural institutions, religious leaders, and development partners to compile accurate and comprehensive data.
“We travelled throughout the districts to gather accurate information on investment opportunities, infrastructure, natural resources, and economic activities. We worked with district leaders and technical teams to ensure the profile reflects the true potential of the region,” Oketayot said.
He added that Uganda’s ambassadors and high commissioners abroad have also been engaged and will use the profile to market investment opportunities in Acholi to international investors.
The investment profile will be made available on the UIA website and distributed in printed form at airports, embassies, trade exhibitions, and investment promotion events.
“The profile has already undergone validation and is now ready for use. The responsibility now lies with the districts and stakeholders to utilize it effectively in attracting investment,” Oketayot noted.
Stakeholders who attended the launch welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that could help transform Northern Uganda’s economy and attract much-needed capital into productive sectors.
However, several participants raised concerns about persistent infrastructure bottlenecks that continue to hinder investment and industrial growth in the region.
Among the issues highlighted were poor road networks in rural areas, limited electricity connectivity and power reliability, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, insufficient mechanization for agriculture, and limited access to affordable financing.
Agago Resident District Commissioner Mr. Nock Nobinson Kidega challenged district commercial officers to become more active in promoting investment and supporting local businesses.
“Our commercial officers must wake up and do the work they were appointed to do. They should identify investors, support businesses, and ensure that entrepreneurs access the services they need to grow,” Kidega said.
He also warned that corruption remains a major obstacle to investment and economic development. “We must eliminate corruption because it discourages investors. Let us work together and make proper use of the resources we have to develop our districts and improve the livelihoods of our people,” he added.
The launch comes at a time when government is intensifying efforts to promote regional industrialization and attract investment beyond Kampala and major urban centres.
With increasing focus on agro-industrialization, value addition, and export-oriented production, officials believe the Acholi Investment Profile could play a significant role in positioning Northern Uganda as a competitive destination for investors seeking opportunities in Uganda and the wider East African region.
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