Lagan Dott, the company contracted to develop key enabling infrastructure including roads, drainage systems and fibre optics in the Kampala Industrial and Business Park (Namanve), has said works are 60% complete.
This milestone marks a critical step in Uganda’s industrialization agenda as the park prepares to become a regional hub for manufacturing and trade.
The project encompasses the construction of paved road networks, a modern stormwater drainage system, sewerage and water distribution lines, ICT ducting, street lighting, and other utility infrastructure. These developments will form the foundation of a world-class industrial ecosystem designed to attract both local and international investors.
According to Andrew Bamanya, chairperson of the joint-venture board, there is significant progress in the construction works in the industrial park.
“A significant portion of the park’s core infrastructure is already in place. We are on track, and with continued collaboration among stakeholders, we expect to move toward commissioning in the near future,” Bamanya said.
The Namanve Industrial Park project, supervised by the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and the Owner’s Engineer PM Excellence in association with MBW, has faced the usual challenges inherent in major infrastructure undertakings ranging from complex site conditions to climate-related disruptions. Yet, the works have advanced consistently.
The relocation of the sewerage treatment facility and reengineering of stormwater systems were necessary due to increased lake levels and revised environmental guidelines. These were handled through technical collaboration with regulatory bodies and project consultants.
Local entrepreneur Namuleme Fauzia shared how improved infrastructure has impacted her business. “With the lighting and roads now in place, security has improved, and we can operate much longer hours,” she said.
Paresh Akshay, an investor managing logistics operations in the park, noted, “Our supply chain used to suffer badly during the rainy season. With the improved drainage and road works, our containers move without disruption even during heavy rain.”
The project is aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan, which prioritizes infrastructure development across key sectors including transport, water, energy, and ICT.
When completed, KIBP will not only attract investment but also generate employment and enhance Uganda’s export competitiveness.
State Minister for Privatization and Investment, Evelyn Anite, recently visited the site and commended the transformation.
“From what was once bush and swamp, we now have a structured and serviced industrial zone. I am confident the contractor will deliver,” she said.
The final stages of the project are being carefully phased, with government stakeholders considering the appropriate time for commissioning.
The project, initiated in 2018 under a contract between UIA and Lagan Dott Namanve Ltd., continues to receive high-level attention and support.
As the park’s infrastructure nears completion, Uganda’s journey toward industrial self-reliance and regional competitiveness enters a promising new chapter.
Robert Mukiza the Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority said he is happy with quality of work being done at the park though he feels the contractors are slightly behind schedule, tasking them to do whatever is in their means to speed up the process.
He added that the ongoing works have significantly contributed to the increase in numbers of investors at Namanve for example in 2016, the park had only 12 functional factories but with the current works and developments, the number has grown to over 400 factories and expected to boost further once the works are completed.
“I want to thank the government under the wise leadership of Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for giving priority to establishments like industrial parks in the majority corners of the country. We have confidence that these facilities perfectly align in the vision 2040 agenda and are part of the major pillars that will consolidate Uganda into the middle income economy.” Mukiza said.
It should be noted that before 2016, the industrial park faced considerable challenges, with only 22 operational factories struggling amidst the geographical constraints of the region.
However, the concerted efforts and strategic investments by the government of Uganda and partners have led to a substantial increase in industrial activities, with the park now hosting over 300 operational factories.
Once fully operational, the industrial park is projected to generate more than 200,000 jobs, offering a substantial boost to employment prospects and contributing to broader socio-economic development objectives.
Spanning across 2,209 acres along the Kampala-Jinja highway, the Namanve Industrial Park, also known as the Kampala Industrial and Business Park (KIBP), stands as the largest industrial park in Uganda.
