Following our earlier engagement in Nigeria, I received Dr Abbas A. Waziri, Group Chairman of Resident Cement Company Ltd, who is in Uganda for follow-up discussions on investment opportunities in the country, including a cement factory, fertilizer manufacturing & other ventures.

Today, I visited Microhaem Scientifics (MHS) in Ntinda, a manufacturer of diagnostic test kits for malaria, HIV and sickle cell disease. Uganda imports about US$400M in pharmaceutical and medical products annually.

Today, together with my Minister, Hon. Taana, we held an interactive meeting with members of the Uganda Steel Manufacturers Association. Steel remains a key pillar in Uganda’s industrialisation and economic transformation.

Additionally, I visited Regal Paints (U) Ltd in Seeta, Mukono, and witnessed the progress being made in Uganda’s manufacturing sector. With a production capacity of over 1.5 million litres of paint per month, Regal is contributing to our national agenda of industrialisation, import substitution, job creation and expanding Uganda’s export base. As government, we pledge to continue supporting manufacturers by addressing the cost of energy and finance, strengthening standards enforcement, promoting local sourcing of raw materials and opening more regional markets for Made-in-Uganda products. A strong manufacturing sector is key to transforming our economy and creating wealth and jobs for our people.

From a UGX 11 billion investment to products reaching markets beyond Uganda — HRP Packaging is a strong example of how local manufacturing can drive economic transformation. It was a great pleasure to visit the facility today. Established in 2021 and operational since 2022, the company now employs 112 Ugandans, including 15 women. It produces flexible packaging materials for the local market and exports to Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Supporting investments like HRP Packaging is central to our industrialisation agenda: creating jobs, adding value locally, reducing import dependence, and positioning Uganda as a competitive manufacturing hub in the region.