Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are strengthening their trade and investment partnership with fresh resolve to root out fraud, deepen transparency, and boost economic cooperation—especially in agriculture, aquaculture, and technology.
This renewed push came during a high-level meeting hosted by Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), who welcomed Frederieke Quispel, the Dutch Ambassador to Uganda, for a strategic dialogue aimed at consolidating the two nations’ economic diplomacy.
“The meeting aimed to foster stronger investment and trade collaboration with the Netherlands, with a shared commitment to combating investment-related fraud and promoting transparency,” Nakalema told reporters.
“Emphasis was placed on the importance of trust, coordination, and good governance in creating a favourable environment that encourages increased investment flow.”
The closed-door talks at SHIPU headquarters were attended by a high-powered delegation, including Andrew Byaruhanga, Policy Officer for Trade and Economic Diplomacy at the Dutch Embassy, and Hiromi Abe, Private Secretary to President Museveni on Investment.
Senior officials from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)—Arthur Kwesiga, Commissioner for ICT and Innovation, and Walid Kule, Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration—were also present.
Uganda’s digitised investor protection framework was showcased as a key driver for improving investor confidence and easing business operations.
Nakalema praised the Netherlands for leading foreign direct investment (FDI) in Uganda, hailing their commitment to development through ethical investment.
“We are going to have a very beautiful interaction,” she said.
“We are always glad that the Netherlands is leading in FDI in Uganda. Your presence and commitment promote collaboration through investment, and we are grateful.”
Amb Quispel echoed her optimism, describing Uganda and the Netherlands as “natural partners” bound by shared agricultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
She noted that Dutch investments in Uganda are not only growing but also aligning with Uganda’s development models.
“There’s so much we have in common,” Quispel said.
“We’re both strong agricultural nations, but Uganda is blessed with fertile land and a favourable climate.
“In the Netherlands, we had to create our own land. That struggle shaped our innovation—and that innovation can support Uganda’s potential.”
Among notable investments, Quispel cited Jalelous, a Dutch aquaculture company building a €20 million fish feed factory in Jinja, with plans for a second facility and an animal feed plant, each also worth €20 million.
She added that most raw materials for the fish feed are sourced locally, maximising value addition within Uganda.
“We finance programmes worth €80 million over four years to support smallholder farmers,” she explained.
“These efforts complement the Parish Development Model and are transforming lives by empowering communities to make the best use of their land. It’s development cooperation with deep roots.”
Col. Nakalema highlighted the strategic use of Uganda’s Electronic Investors Protection Portal, which centralises services for both local and international investors, reducing bureaucracy and shielding businesses from fraud.
“The portal brings together all government ministries, departments, and agencies that have a role in promoting and protecting investments,” she stated.
“It’s one of the best ways to ensure investors don’t get lost in the system.”
Ambassador Quispel agreed that while aid remains relevant, the future lies in trade and investment as powerful tools for peace and prosperity.
“Development aid has its place, but the future is about building strong economies,” she stressed.
“Trade builds peace. Uganda’s stability makes it a hub, and if more countries in the region traded more with each other, we’d see greater regional transformation.”
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She concluded by reaffirming the Netherlands’ long-standing commitment to Africa.
“The partnership between Africa and Europe is old and strong. But the world is changing, and that partnership must grow stronger. I am proud to be here, working hand in hand with Uganda to build a better future through investment and collaboration.”
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