Overview:
The government is enforcing its 18-month deadline for Namanve plots to accelerate industrialization, warning it will re-allocate land to productive investors.
MUKONO, Uganda — The Ugandan government is threatening to repossess undeveloped plots at the Namanve Industrial Park, warning investors who have failed to meet the required 18-month deadline for beginning construction.
The ultimatum, aimed at preventing land hoarding and accelerating development, was issued by Minister of State for Investment Evelyn Anite.
The warning targets beneficiaries who have failed to meet the stipulated 18-month deadline for beginning construction, a condition designed to prevent land hoarding and spur rapid development within the park.
Anite issued the ultimatum yesterday during the groundbreaking ceremony for Piston Medical Limited in Mukono district.
“Upon assuming office in 2016, we abolished the application fee, making land allocation free for eligible applicants,” Anite said. “However, to prevent land hoarding and ensure productive use, we introduced a condition requiring investors to develop their land within 18 months. Failure to comply with the policy will result in the land reverting to the Government.”
New Pharmaceutical Facility
Piston Medical Limited, a pharmaceutical company, is utilizing its three-acre plot to build a facility focused on producing parenteral medicines (injectables) for the African region.
Anite commended Piston for the speedy development of its allocated land and directed the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) to issue the company a lease within a week.
Benjamin Kiiza, Piston’s chief executive officer, said the company currently produces about 16 products and plans to scale up to approximately 100 products, specifically injectables, within three years. He noted that four products are already under review by the National Drug Authority (NDA).
UIA chairperson Dr. Robert Kyamanywa emphasized the authority’s objective of attracting manufacturers and boosting local participation in Uganda’s economic transformation.
Addressing Drainage and Infrastructure
Anite also addressed ongoing challenges with poor drainage at the Namanve park. She announced plans to convene a meeting with investors to find solutions, noting that some investors have resisted crucial infrastructure like road and sewage lines passing through their property.
“The Government faces a dilemma, as compensating these investors for potential damages would be costly,” she observed, citing issues encountered during a recent feasibility study.