Uganda’s Push to Become Africa’s Manufacturing Powerhouse: Minister Anite Courts Chinese Investors in Wuxi
Uganda’s Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, Evelyn Anite, delivered a strong pitch to investors in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China.In a pivotal move to attract foreign direct investment into Uganda’s manufacturing sector, Uganda’s Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, Evelyn Anite, delivered a strong pitch to investors in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. Speaking at a high-profile conference attended by key figures in China’s manufacturing industry, Anite laid out Uganda’s ambitious plans to position itself as Africa’s premier manufacturing hub.“Uganda’s strategic location within East Africa, coupled with duty-free access to markets like the European Union, the United States, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), makes us the ideal destination for manufacturing investment,” Anite stated. She emphasized that Uganda’s conducive investment climate, which includes tax incentives, fast-tracked approval processes, and well-established industrial parks, provides a seamless path for Chinese manufacturers looking to expand into Africa.Uganda’s manufacturing sector currently contributes 15% to the country’s GDP, and the government aims to double this by 2030. Anite highlighted how Uganda’s large and affordable labor force, competitive energy prices, and growing consumer base make it an ideal environment for large-scale production. For Chinese investors, the benefits extend beyond low production costs—Uganda’s trade agreements offer direct access to over 1.2 billion consumers across Africa and beyond. Anite’s message was clear: “Chinese industrialists can play a significant role in Africa’s industrialization while reaping substantial returns.”The Ugandan government has earmarked specific zones for Chinese manufacturers to set up operations, particularly in agro-processing, textiles, and electronics manufacturing, which are expected to generate thousands of jobs and enhance technology transfer. Chinese companies that invest in Uganda can take advantage of long-term tax holidays, low-cost land leases, and government-backed guarantees for infrastructure development.Zhou Yu Qing, Africa Team Lead at SIMI Group, once said, “Africa is not just a market but a partner in progress, where mutual growth is cultivated through strategic collaboration.” This perfectly reflects our sentiments about the opportunity to invest in this region. We believe that together, we can create significant impact in key sectors, particularly infrastructure, technology, and education.Mr. Zhang Wuxu, the General Manager of Iflytek, stated during a similar partnership, “Innovation in Africa will reshape the future, and it begins with the right investments in people and technology.” His words reinforce our belief that the development of human capital and the integration of cutting-edge technologies will drive meaningful change.With the support of visionary leadership like yours, we are confident that our investments will help Uganda advance in ways that uplift communities, create jobs, and pave the way for long-term prosperity. We look forward to building this bright future togetherRelatedhttps://www.pmldaily.com/business/2024/09/ugandas-push-to-become-africas-manufacturing-powerhouse-minister-anite-courts-chinese-investors-in-wuxi.html
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum