Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) has announced a fresh wave of strategic investments in agro-processing and light manufacturing as part of its expanded mandate to fast-track Uganda’s industrialization agenda.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Finance headquarters, UDC Executive Director Dr. Patrick Birungi revealed that the state enterprise is rolling out projects worth over Shs120 billion across key sectors including cotton ginning, fruit processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“The industrialization journey must be inclusive and regionally balanced. We are focusing on value addition in agriculture, import substitution, and export-oriented manufacturing. These interventions are designed to create sustainable jobs and increase Uganda’s manufacturing GDP contribution,” said Dr. Birungi.
Among the flagship projects set to benefit from the new investments is the revival of the Lira Spinning Mill, which will process locally grown cotton, reducing dependency on textile imports. Additionally, UDC is expanding the Soroti Fruit Factory in partnership with local farmers and cooperatives, with plans to integrate a juice bottling line to serve both local and regional markets.
In a strategic pivot, UDC is also co-investing in a new pharmaceutical plant in Mukono in collaboration with private partners to enhance domestic production of essential medicines and reduce import bills.
The revitalization efforts come as Uganda positions itself to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and respond to government calls for increased industrial productivity under the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII).
Established in 1952 and revived under the UDC Act 2016, the Corporation plays a catalytic role in establishing and managing strategic public investments. As the government’s commercial investment arm, UDC holds equity in several companies and facilitates industrial ventures that align with Uganda’s long-term economic goals.
With industrial parks expanding and Special Economic Zones gaining traction, UDC’s renewed vigor signals a turning point in Uganda’s push for economic transformation.
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