New web portal for investors to 'tackle corruption'

Jan 30, 2016

“We are dealing electronically, so it takes away that human to human interaction, and this removes the temptation for corruption."

 

Eng. Dr Frank Sebbowa, the executive director of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), has said a newly launched web portal for investors is a step in the right direction in the fight against graft.

With UIA at the fulcrum, the single point of entry, named eBiz, is the first ever such effort put together by agencies and is aimed at integrating services offered by different government agencies.

Bodies involved include Uganda Registration Services Bureau, Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development, Uganda Revenue Authority, Kampala Capital City Authority, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and the National Environment Management Authority.

 "We are dealing electronically, so it takes away that human to human interaction, and this removes the temptation for corruption," he told New Vision.

The web portal, www.eBiz.go.ug, is designed to serve the interests of both foreign and local investors.

"The eBiz is an effective solution that will offer an investor the option of applying for, and processing of, the various licenses and permits he/she requires to start implementing an investment both online or by visiting the UIA offices physically," he said.

This is one of the efforts that authorities in Uganda hope will improve Uganda's attractiveness as a destination for doing business.

According to UIA's Investment Abstract for the Fiscal Year 2013/2014, investors in Uganda faced a myriad of challenges in Uganda.

"A routine survey undertaken by the UIA to establish causes of delays in project implementation pointed to several factors.

"These included financing, resettlement of squatters and land compensation, delays in acquisition of building plan approvals and work permits for directors while others were looking for large pieces of agricultural land free of squatters," the report indicates.

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