Africa-Press – Uganda. Private sector Chief Executive Officers under the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) on Friday visited the Liaoshen Industrial Park in Kapeeka gaining first-hand insight into the country’s accelerating industrialization and expanding investment landscape.
The visit, was designed to showcase Uganda’s manufacturing capabilities, job creation, and drive toward industrial self-reliance. It served as both an eye-opener and a call to action for private sector involvement in national development.
Participants, including top CEOs, policymakers, and private sector leaders, toured key factories such as Goodwill Uganda Ltd, a tile manufacturer, and an agro-processing plant producing dried pineapple slices. Many were impressed by the scale of operations and use of local raw materials.
“The factory produces an average of 40,000 square meters of tiles daily and employs 1,150 Ugandans alongside 60 Chinese workers,” said David Mawejje, Administrative Manager at Goodwill. “Over 90% of raw materials are sourced locally.”
The revelation that Uganda is exporting locally made goods across the globe surprised many visitors and reinforced confidence in the country’s industrial potential.
Irene Birungi Mugisha, President of the CEO Forum, emphasized that the tour is part of a broader strategy to bridge the gap between the private sector and government.
“The Presidential CEO Forum is an initiative of His Excellency the President. It aims to create engagement platforms between business leaders, government, and key stakeholders,” she said. “Kapeeka is one of 25 industrial parks across Uganda. We want investors and entrepreneurs to see what’s happening on the ground.”
She also underscored the media’s role in industrial awareness, saying, “The media are a key partner in shaping public perception and sharing success stories.”
Emmanuel Katongole, Chairman of Quality Chemical Industries, described the visit as “eye-opening.”
“Uganda is clearly on the path to industrialization. I encourage every business and policy leader to visit and see the opportunities for themselves,” he said. “Why import everyday items like toilet pans and plates when they’re being manufactured locally?”
Gen. Salim Saleh Akandwanaho reflected on Uganda’s industrial journey, drawing from his personal transformation from farming to leading strategic industrial development.
“I once believed I was rich from maize farming,” he said. “But reading How Europe Underdeveloped Africa challenged me to think bigger.”
He highlighted the need for land reform and financial inclusion, urging banks to operationalize the Kyapa loan to support Ugandans on contested land.
“Once someone has a title on even one acre, they start building permanent homes. This is how we transform livelihoods,” he noted.
Gen. Saleh praised the transformation of Kapeeka from a small rural trading center to a thriving industrial hub with over 38 active factories, saying it was the result of visionary leadership and strategic planning.
“We’re rolling out 25 such parks nationwide—nine are already operational, including Namanve, Ruzira, Mbale, Kasese, and Buyikwe. This is a coordinated national strategy.”
He called for stronger linkages between scientists and the private sector, emphasizing that the latter drives true wealth creation.
Prof. Nuwagaba, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, noted that industrial parks like Kapeeka are catalysts for economic transformation.
“Industrialization is not just about machines—it’s about jobs, exports, and transforming communities,” he said. “Kapeeka symbolizes what’s possible when leadership, investment, and policy align.”
He urged collaboration across government, academia, media, and private players to replicate Kapeeka’s success across all 25 planned industrial parks by 2026.
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