Minister Anite: TCL local production launch marks Uganda’s leap as investment hub

KAMPALA, Uganda — The formal launch of global electronics giant TCL’s manufacturing operations in Uganda signifies the nation’s emergence as a prime investment destination, according to Evelyn Anite, the Minister of State for Privatization and Investment. Anite stated Saturday that the new local production capabilities underscore Uganda’s transformation into a robust industrial hub.

Speaking at the event, Anite highlighted Uganda’s deliberate policy of industrialization, which she said has already generated 1.2 million manufacturing jobs and fostered the local production of a wide array of goods. She emphasized the country’s shift from being a “supermarket of the world’s products” to a self-sufficient manufacturing power.

“Uganda has made significant progress from being a mere ‘supermarket of the world’s products,’ where imports dominated our markets, effectively donating jobs to other nations,” Anite said. She urged Ugandans to support the “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” (BUBU) policy, noting that locally manufactured goods are both high-quality and affordable. This affordability, she explained, is partly due to tax exemptions, with local manufacturers paying a 10% tax rate compared to the 25% to 35% typically levied on imports.

“Every purchase directly supports a fellow Ugandan who is employed in these factories, enabling them to earn a salary and provide for their families,” Anite added.

TCL’s decision to formalize its presence in Uganda, after a year of successful operations, was driven by the country’s favorable market environment, said Alvin Wang, Regional Director for TCL East & Africa. “The Ugandan government has created a good market environment for us international businesses,” Wang stated, affirming TCL’s commitment to delivering quality products and services.

The company has partnered with Uhome Holdings Limited, the home appliance arm of Tian Tang Group, which operates the Mbale Industrial Park. This collaboration has led to the construction of what companies describe as “Uganda’s most advanced television production line” at the park, creating more than 200 direct jobs and boosting indirect employment through channel partners. Luke Wang, General Manager of Tian Tang Group and CEO of Uhome Holdings Limited, underscored that TCL products “made in Uganda” are among the most localized globally, reinforcing the BUBU policy. He cited TCL’s unique advantages as the world’s largest TV panel manufacturer, highlighting its technological leadership and flexible market strategy.

TCL holds ambitious goals for the Ugandan market, aiming to become the country’s top home appliance brand by the end of 2025. For the long term, TCL plans to leverage its Ugandan production base to export to neighboring countries, targeting the broader East African market of “more than 100 million people.” Alvin Wang noted TCL is already gaining traction across Africa, including its status as the “first local home appliance brand” in Kenya.

Among the 2025 collection unveiled was the monumental 115-inch X955 QD-Mini LED TV, TCL’s largest available in Uganda, featuring advanced screen technology for exceptional clarity and a cinematic experience. The showcase also included the TCL C6K TV Series with QD-Mini LED technology and new Q Series Soundbars, offering advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. TCL Electronics operates in over 160 markets worldwide, specializing in a wide range of consumer electronics products.

However, amidst the industrial expansion, Anite also addressed a significant concern: fair wages for manufacturing workers. She stated that while job creation was the initial priority, the time is now ripe to ensure adequate compensation. “It is simply not fair for someone to work from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and earn only 5,000 shillings ($1.35) a day, especially when we have offered substantial tax and non-tax incentives to these investors,” Anite asserted. She confirmed President Museveni has initiated tripartite discussions involving the Ministry of Gender, employers, and employees to determine a fair minimum wage, expressing confidence in a forthcoming resolution. In the interim, she implored investors to “pay our people decently, treat them fairly, provide them with protective gear, and ensure they are not exploited.”