Namunkekera Industrial Park Key to Import Substitution, Says PM Nabbanja
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robbinah Nabbanja has presided over the closure of the 2nd Namunkekera–Kapeeka Industrial Park Trade Show and Bazaar in Nakaseke District, calling the event a powerful platform for driving Uganda’s industrialisation and economic transformation. She officiated on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.
Organised by the Namunkekera Rural Industrial Centre and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the trade fair featured product exhibitions, workshops, and business-to-business engagements that brought together investors, manufacturers, and community members.
In a message delivered by Nabbanja, President Museveni commended the organisers for fostering a space that connects local businesses with markets and investors, while also promoting innovation and knowledge sharing.
“I am confident that the collaborations formed at this event will unlock more opportunities for investment, growth and development across Uganda. Let us all work together to transform Uganda into a modern and industrial economy, capable of guaranteeing the prosperity and wellbeing of our people,” the President said.
He urged Ugandan entrepreneurs to leverage opportunities in the country’s growing industrial parks to scale up production, attract international partnerships, and boost local manufacturing under the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.
Launched in 2015, the Namunkekera–Kapeeka Industrial Park has become a model for industrial development under the leadership of OWC Chief Coordinator, Gen. (Rtd) Salim Saleh. It now hosts multiple factories producing goods that were previously imported, thereby cutting Uganda’s reliance on foreign products.
The park has also emerged as a major source of employment, with over 15,000 jobs created, including opportunities for more than 3,000 youths.
According to Nabbanja, such progress demonstrates the central role of industrialisation in Uganda’s economic future.
“The Namunkekera Industrial Park is proof that when government, investors and communities work together, we can reduce imports, create jobs for our youth, and build a stronger manufacturing base,” Nabbanja said.
The trade show is expected to strengthen partnerships that will further accelerate investment and development, positioning the industrial park as a hub for regional growth.
