Eng. Peter Balimunsi, a former employee of the ministry of trade, industry and cooperatives has been appointed the new board chairperson of the Uganda Free Zones Authority (UFZA).

Balimunsi was appointed on a three-year term by the former finance minister Matia Kasaija on May 3rd before the cabinet was dissolved.

The new board was inaugurated at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Tuesday.

Balimunsi will serve with other members that include Annet Nakate representing the private sector, Dr Paul Kaylimpa from Uganda Investment Authority and Geoffrey Okaka from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). Other members are Francis Koluo, Musa Okello and Barbara Imario.

Former board chairman Eng. Dr. Frederick Kiwanuka (second right), former member Grace Achire Labong (left) and UFZA executive director Hez Alinda (second left) hand over architectual designs of the first public free zone to Lt. Gen. James Mugira (right), the managing director of the National Enterprises Corporation for development at Entebbe Airport in September 2020. (Photo by Benon Ojiambo)

This replaces the inaugural board that was appointed in 2015 following the establishment of the agency in 2014 with a mandate to oversee the development and management of free zones as a vehicle for growing the country’s exports amidst a widening trade imbalance.

Balimunsi said they shall “carry out the assignment with dedication and commitment to create opportunities for export-oriented investment”.

At least 25 free zones, one of which is public and under development at Entebbe International Airport, have so far been licensed by the agency.