Uganda Bankable Projects Investment Guide
The Uganda Bankable Projects Investment Guide is the 7th edition of a strategic portfolio published by the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). It presents a curated selection of high-impact, transformative investment opportunities aligned with Uganda’s national development priorities. The guide serves as a primary entry point for both domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Pearl of Africa, focusing on sectors with high growth potential and inclusive development impact.[1]
Economic Context
As of late 2024, Uganda’s economy reached a size of US$49 billion, with a population of approximately 45.9 million. For the 2024/2025 financial year, the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED) projects:
- GDP: USD 61.3 Billion.
- GDP Growth Rate: 6.3%.
- GDP Per Capita: USD 1,263.
- Internet Penetration: 28%.
The capital city, Kampala, accounts for roughly 60% of the national GDP and is projected to be one of the world's fastest-growing cities by 2035. Medium-term growth is expected to remain robust, driven by infrastructure investment and developments in the oil and gas sector.
Priority Investment Sectors
The 2025-2026 guide categorises "bankable" projects into several key growth areas.
Uganda is the second-largest producer of fresh fruits and vegetables in Africa. Key projects in this sector include:
- Luwero Fruit Factory: A USD 9.7 million project featuring processing lines for canned pineapple, dried fruits, and "Munanasi" juice.
- Acholibur Cassava Processing Factory: Located in Pader District, this USD 16.5 million project aims to produce starch, ethanol, and carbon dioxide.
- Soluble Coffee Processing Factory: A USD 48.1 million (Capex) facility in the Kampala Industrial and Business Park to produce 5,000 MT of freeze-dried instant coffee annually.
- Lira Spinning Mill: A USD 44.34 million state-of-the-art facility for cotton spinning, knitting, and garmenting.
- Cattle Feed & Supplement Manufacturing: A USD 10 million expansion in Nakasongola District targeting domestic and regional markets.
Tourism and Real Estate
Efforts in this sector focus on diversifying products beyond traditional savannah-based tourism.
- Mount Elgon National Park Infrastructure: A USD 79 million project to develop visitor centres, camping sites, and communication systems.
- Pearl Marina Estates: A large-scale mixed-use "resort city" development on 389 acres in Entebbe, seeking USD 10-45 million in investment.
- Nzuru Heights Resort: A USD 40 million eco-luxury hotel and cultural retreat in Kasese.
Minerals and Manufacturing
- Moroto Integrated Cement, Lime, and Marble Factory: A USD 105.5 million project to add value to local limestone and marble resources.
- Sheet Glass Manufacturing Factory: A USD 44.6 million facility in Masaka leveraging high-quality local silica sand.
- Iron and Steel Manufacturing Factory: A USD 53 million expansion in Mbarara to produce sponge iron and steel billets.
Energy and Health
- Okulacere Small Hydro Power Plant: A 7.26MW green energy project in Yumbe District requiring USD 36 million.
- East African Medical Vitals (EAMV): A USD 18 million expansion for the production of surgical gloves, syringes, and condoms, reducing import dependency.
Investor Support and Facilitation
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) provides end-to-end support through its eBiz platform. This integrated online portal enables entrepreneurs to access government services, obtain licenses, and reduce bureaucratic procedures from a single point of entry. The One-Stop Centre (OSC) also provides 24/7 support to facilitate faster entry into the Ugandan market.