By Ouni Jaspher
The Uganda-United States Investment Forum at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington D.C., with senior government officials pitching Uganda as Africa’s premier investment destination.
The forum was opened this morning by the Minister of State for General Duties, Henry Musasizi, who told delegates that Uganda is seeking partners to drive its ambitious economic transformation agenda.
”It is a pleasure to be here to discuss business, investment and opportunities that would make all of us more prosperous,” Musasizi said.
He outlined Uganda’s national goal to grow the economy tenfold by 2040 and reach a GDP of $500 billion.
“We want partners in investment, trade, tourism, and technological upgrading to achieve this strategic goal,” the Minister added.
He pointed to “inexhaustible opportunities” in agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals and the entire extractive sector, science and technology, and infrastructure development.
Permanent Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) Ramathan Ggoobi made the investment case to U.S. business leaders, stating that Uganda has been ranked the best investment destination in Africa.
“Uganda has the lowest macro risk in the region but with highest return on investment,” Ggoobi said. “Uganda offers peace, easy taxes and a tolerable administration of justice,” he added, also noting that “Uganda’s weather is the best.”
On macroeconomic stability, Ggoobi disclosed that Uganda is currently negotiating a new extended credit facility with the International Monetary Fund and confirmed that the relationship with the World Bank is now fully restored.
Other senior officials attending the forum include Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who reiterated that Uganda is open to investment and that the environment is very favourable for business.
Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Monica Musenero and Bank of Uganda Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego are also in attendance and scheduled to address American investors on opportunities in innovation, technology transfer, and financial sector stability.
The forum brings together U.S. investors, private sector leaders, and Ugandan policymakers to explore partnerships across key growth sectors as Uganda positions itself as a gateway for American capital into East Africa.
