Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has further encouraged investors in electrical appliance assembly and manufacturing to continue investing in Uganda, praising the private sector for driving the country’s socio-economic transformation.
His message was delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the official launch of the Chint Electrical Center in Kampala.
Speaking during the event, Museveni commended the company’s managing director, Ms. Shi Jiane Namutebi, and other stakeholders for their “steadfast and visionary” leadership, describing Chint’s 20-year presence in Uganda as a testament to the country’s investment potential.
“The overall objective of the NRM government has been, and continues to be, the socio-economic transformation of Uganda by increasing private sector entrepreneurship. Today is a highlight of NRM leadership in building a resilient and sustainable economy through investments that create jobs,” he said.
Museveni highlighted Uganda’s economic progress since 1986, noting that the economy has expanded nearly 15 times, from Shs 42.6 billion (USD 3.92 billion) to Shs 226.3 trillion (USD 61.3 billion).
He added that Uganda ranks seventh among the world’s fastest-growing economies, with a projected growth rate of 7 percent in the 2025/26 financial year.
The President emphasized that future growth will accelerate with the commencement of commercial oil and gas production and the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway linking Uganda to Kenya.
He also stressed the importance of safeguarding political and economic stability, warning that attempts to destabilize the country have been “frustrated and defeated.”
“Uganda now is a middle-income country. No amount of disruption will stop Uganda from being prosperous. We welcome mutual collaboration, but our allies must respect our priorities and interests,” Museveni said.
He further noted that Chint is “not just a Chinese company, but an Ugandan company generating revenue and building the economy.”
The President highlighted Uganda’s resilience during global crises, including the 2008 financial downturn and the Covid-19 pandemic, as proof of the country’s robust investment environment.
Founder and CEO of Chint Uganda Shi Jian Namutebi, described as the culmination of two decades of resilience, partnerships, and belief in Uganda’s potential.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala, Namutebi traced the company’s journey from a small shop inside City Centre Complex 20 years ago to a regional electrical and manufacturing powerhouse employing hundreds across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan.
“This is not just a building, it’s a testament to 20 years of resilience, partnership, and unwavering belief in Uganda’s potential,” Namutebi said.
She revealed that CHINT Uganda, which began with just two employees and two containers of electrical goods annually, now directly and indirectly employs thousands, including more than 500 registered electrical engineers and interior designers across the country.
The CEO also announced that the company’s multi-million-dollar tire factory is nearing completion and is expected to be commissioned early next year.
“Through you, Madam Prime Minister, we will humbly invite His Excellency, the President, to commission it, if his schedule permits,” Namutebi told the gathering.
Over the years, CHINT Uganda has expanded from importing electrical goods to manufacturing cables, supplying pre-paid Yaka meters, and introducing luxury cabinet manufacturing through a partnership with China’s OPPEIN.
Namutebi credited Uganda’s “Build Uganda, Buy Uganda” policy for supporting the company’s growth and pledged further investment in local manufacturing and technology transfer.
She also paid tribute to Ugandan landlords and partners who supported her as a young entrepreneur navigating the business landscape.
“Every complaint and feedback challenged us to be better, and you are the reason we stand here today,” she said, thanking customers, engineers, and local partners who contributed to the CHINT Center’s completion.
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