The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in creating a favorable investment climate in Uganda.
Addressing the closing session of the UK-Africa Business Summit 2025 in London, Col. Nakalema reassured investors of Uganda’s commitment to predictable regulations, fair processes, and stringent oversight — key factors that bolster investor confidence.
“Transparent governance reduces risk perception, lowers borrowing costs, and mobilizes capital, whereas accountability mechanisms deter misuse, thus strengthening institutional trust,” she said.
Now in its 15th year, the UK-Africa Business Summit serves as a vital platform for governments, investors, entrepreneurs, and diaspora stakeholders to deepen trade and investment ties between the UK and African nations.
Col. Nakalema highlighted the enabling environment fostered by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government under President Museveni’s leadership.
She emphasized the integration of technology in SHIPU’s operations, including digital documentation to expedite processes, minimize errors, and safeguard investors from cyber threats.
“Real-time investment insights enable investors to receive immediate updates on the investment process, protection, and support,” she noted.
Uganda was lauded at the summit as the leading investment destination in Africa, with SHIPU’s Investors Protection Portal (EIPP) recognized as a significant driver of investment efficiency.
Col. Nakalema revealed that Uganda accounted for 24 percent of the East African Community’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between 2019 and 2023. The country has also been named Africa’s top investment destination by AIM UAE in 2023 and 2024 and received the Investment Catalyst Award at the 2023 Go Global Awards by the International Trade Council.
“These accolades reflect investor confidence in Uganda’s policy stability and market reforms,” she said.
She further emphasized the opportunity to build a prosperous partnership between Uganda and the UK that would transform both economies and set new benchmarks for international investment collaborations in Africa.
Willy Mutenza, founder and chairman of the UK-Africa Summit, highlighted the summit’s evolving focus on actionable solutions and partnerships that yield measurable outcomes. He acknowledged the shifting global trade landscape, including renewed US tariffs and changing geopolitical alliances.
“Despite these challenges, Africa’s resilience remains strong. With expanding markets, a youthful population, and growing infrastructure, the continent offers immense long-term investment potential,” Mutenza said.
The summit also featured a presentation by Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, on Uganda’s consistent economic growth.
Prominent Ugandan officials attending the summit included First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga; Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa; Minister of State for Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi; Permanent Secretary, Internal Affairs Ministry Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu; Director Citizenship & Immigration Control Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa; and Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kagwa.
