Uganda Investment Authority Guide 2025

Explore how to invest in Uganda with incentives, tax breaks, and land offers. Learn about sectors, laws, and how the Uganda Investment Authority helps.

Complete 2025 Guide & How the Uganda Investment Authority Can Help

Invest in Uganda presents a compelling opportunity for investors due to the country's strong economic trajectory, strategic East African location, and investor-friendly policies. The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) plays a pivotal role, offering a one-stop service, incentives, and access to infrastructure.

Why Invest in Uganda?

• Robust Economic Growth: Uganda has averaged over 5% GDP growth in recent years, with new oil exploration expected to accelerate growth further.
• Strategic Location: Land-linked to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and DRC—ideal for regional trade.
• Younger Workforce: Over 70% of the population is under 30, creating a vibrant labor pool ucb.go.ugreddit.com.
• Emerging Industries: From oil and gas to solar energy (e.g., Xsabo Solar projects), Uganda offers dynamic growth sectors.

Role of Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)

The UIA, established in 1991, is Uganda’s semi-autonomous investment promotion agency based in Kampala:

• One‑Stop Centre: Access to investment licenses, permits, and aftercare—both online and in-person
• Serviced Land: Allocation in 22 industrial parks, including Namanve and upcoming oil industrial parks
• End‑to‑end support: Licensing, matchmaking, B2B linkages, and compliance guidance .

Top Investment Sectors & Opportunities

1. Oil & Gas

• Uganda holds ~6.5 billion barrels of oil in the Albertine Graben.
• New exploration licences to be issued in 2025–26.

2. Renewable Energy

• Significant solar projects like Xsabo Nkonge (20 MW) and Lira Solarline (50 MW) .

3. Agro-Processing & Mineral Value Addition

• UIA offers 100% tax exemptions on agro-processing income and training, plus export incentives.

4. Industrial Parks & Manufacturing

• 10-year tax holidays for park developers and tenants; generous VAT and duty exemptions on equipment.
• Infrastructure-ready parks: Namanve (KIBP), Kabalega, Bukasa Inland Port .

5. Tourism & Hospitality

• Duty relief on hotel construction, furnishings, and land subsidies for key projects .

6. ICT, Startups & Knowledge Economy

• UIA targets knowledge-based investors and fintech innovators, organizing diaspora conferences to drive participation.

Incentives & Investment License

🛡️ Double Incentives: Fiscal & Non-Fiscal (UIA)

• Investment License (foreign ≥ US$ 250k; domestic ≥ US$ 50k) issued within 48 hours.
• Exemptions: import duties, VAT, tax holidays (10-year in zones), accelerated depreciation, research & training costs.
• Non-fiscal perks: serviced land, coordination via One-Stop Centre, and aftercare services.

Key Conditions:

• ≥ 70% local raw materials; ≥ 70% Ugandan workforce; export volumes thresholds; minimum investment capital.

5-Step Investment Process

1. Choose sector
2. Company & TIN registration
3. Apply via UIA One-Stop Centre (physical/electronic)
4. Secure licensing, land, and permits
5. Begin operations with aftercare support

Infrastructure Highlights

• Bukasa Inland Port (Lake Victoria) – Phase I by 2025.
• Kabalega Industrial Park for oil & petrochemicals in Hoima.
• Kampala Industrial & Business Park with UK-funded improvements

Why Choose Uganda?

• One-Stop Facilitation from UIA reduces red tape.
• Attractive Incentives across strategic sectors.
• Governance & Protection via 2019 Investment Code with expropriation safeguards.
• Regional Hub with expanding oil, energy, and transit infrastructure.

FAQ

Q: How long for permit approval?

A: Investment certificates issued within 48 hours and free .

Q: Can I lease land?

A: Yes—foreigners can lease for up to 99 years; industrial park leases often include free land initiatives .

Q: Are tax holidays real?

A: Absolutely—10-year tax breaks in zones and sectors like agro-processing, tourism, and minerals .

Conclusion

Uganda is rapidly emerging as Africa’s prime investment destination, with strong growth in oil, energy, agriculture, tourism, and tech. Central to this success is the Uganda Investment Authority, which streamlines investment, provides incentives, and supports investors from start to finish.

Whether you’re a first-time foreign investor or an established domestic entrepreneur, Invest in Uganda represents reliable returns backed by solid infrastructure and enabling government policies.

📞 Take Action

Visit the Mk Timothy & Company or contact the https://contact.mktimothy.com/ to begin your investment journey today.