The state Minister for investment and Privatization Hon Evelyn Anite this Wednesday morning unveiled the new board of Uganda Investment Authority at the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) headquarters, Kampala.
The new Board brings back Dr Emely Kugonza as the Board Chairman. Other members of the board include Godfrey Byamukama Kereere, Gertrude Kateesa Lutaaya, Dr Joshua Mutambi, Naima Obombasa, Fred Opolot and Morrison Twesigye Rwakakamba. They replace a board that was fired by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija in February.
Anite said the new board is made up of highly-qualified professionals who the government expects to deliver. She said that the board’s critical responsibility is to change the quality of investors who are licensed to set up industries and receive government incentives such as tax holidays and free land.
The government views industrialization as the magic bullet for economic transformation and job creation. In line with the policy direction, Anite says the new board must attract quality investors who will create jobs who Uganda’s young population.
UIA has been working without a board after recently the Finance minister Matia Kasaija fired the last board at the beginning of April while accusing them of laziness and corruption tendencies.
Hon. Kasaija has put stringent conditions to these new members where each has been given a contract of three-years to check on their performance.
One of the board members Morris Rwakakamba promised to work with other members so that they fulfill their requirements of developing the economy.
‘Am an economic researcher, know what the loopholes are in the current economy but working together ,we shall create one of the best investment environment in Uganda and east Africa as whole’ he said
Recently President Museveni warned members who worked in investment ministry that he would arrest all of them if they never stopped seeking bribes from investors which hampers economic growth and development of Uganda.
