Overview:
Uganda's State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) highlights its role in fighting corruption and attracting foreign direct investment during a meeting with the UK High Commissioner.
KAMPALA, Uganda – Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), met with British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney to discuss investment opportunities and safeguarding investors.
The meeting, held at the unit’s office in Kampala, focused on a collaborative approach to boosting investor confidence and promoting economic growth.
Nakalema explained that SHIPU was established in May 2023 to expedite government services for investors. She highlighted the unit’s role in streamlining procedures related to land access in industrial parks, tax incentives, business registration, and environmental impact assessments, all aimed at lowering business costs.
During the discussion, Nakalema pointed to several international accolades Uganda has received, reinforcing its appeal as an investment destination. She noted that in 2024, Uganda was named the best investment destination in Africa at the Global Annual Investment Meeting awards in Abu Dhabi. She also cited a 2023 Oxford Economics report that ranked Uganda as the most attractive economy for investment within the East African Community.
Nakalema also emphasized the role of the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP), a tool managed by SHIPU that provides investors with authentic information, and a platform to inquire and verify details, thereby protecting them from fraud and other frustrations.
On her part, High Commissioner Chesney praised Uganda for its ongoing working relationship with the United Kingdom and commended SHIPU’s efforts.
“Corruption impedes development, and I’m grateful that the government of Uganda has put up several entities like SHIPU to fight the vice,” Chesney said. She assured Nakalema that the UK High Commission would work with SHIPU to build investor confidence and encourage more UK investors to contribute to Uganda’s economic development.