Nakalema meets trade minister Tanna, Huawei executives
The meeting was also graced by officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA).
The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col Edith Nakalema. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
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The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col Edith Nakalema, has met with the new trade minister, Sanjay Tanna and Huawei Technologies executives to discuss ways of strengthening trade, investment and industrial growth in Uganda.
The meeting, held today (June 10, 2026) at the SHIPU offices located along Lumumba Avenue in Nakasero, Kampala, was aimed at bridging policy gaps, boosting production, addressing taxation concerns and strengthening collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to improve Uganda's investment climate.
Sanjay Tanna, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and Col Edith Nakalema. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Hajjat Amina Mukalazi, State Minister for Investment and Privatization and Col Edith Nakalema. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Nakalema started-off by congratulating Tanna upon his appointment, describing him as a seasoned investor and mobiliser whose contribution to Uganda's economic development spans many years.
(Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
"I am delighted that a successful investor is now leading the ministry of trade. You understand the challenges investors go through, and you are well positioned to support Uganda's industrialisation agenda," Nakalema said.
She expressed confidence in the minister's ability to mobilise investment and accelerate economic transformation, noting that he has long played a key role in attracting investors to Uganda through international business forums and investment conferences.
She equally commended Huawei for its continued investment and contribution to Uganda's development, particularly in advancing technology and digital transformation.
She explained that the unit was formed to safeguard investments, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure that investors receive timely support from government institutions.
"Our work in public offices is to ensure that all citizens are served. Our work is to ensure that government agencies are well coordinated and that investors are free from unnecessary delays," she said.
(Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
According to Nakalema, SHIPU serves as a bridge between investors and government agencies by addressing challenges that hinder investment and ensuring faster resolution of complaints and operational bottlenecks.
“One of the unit's key innovations has been the establishment of the Electronic Investors Protection Portal, a digital platform that links investors to government agencies and enables real-time tracking of complaints, inquiries and service requests. The portal was launched to improve accountability, transparency and efficiency in handling investors' concerns," Nakalema said.
Executives during the meeting. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
According to Nakalema, the portal has received continental recognition for addressing major challenges affecting investments across Africa and has become an important tool in improving investor confidence in Uganda.
She further disclosed that SHIPU's internal assessment indicates that the unit has facilitated investments worth approximately $147m (sh551.9b) since its inception.
The investments, she said, have been tracked through the portal's monitoring system and demonstrate the direct impact of the unit on Uganda's economic growth.
"We are here to ensure that the gains we are protecting benefit all the people. The Government has achieved a lot, but many people out there do not know these developments," Nakalema noted.
She emphasised the need for public institutions to communicate government achievements more effectively, saying greater awareness of progress in industrialisation, agriculture and investment promotion would enhance Uganda's image as an attractive destination for business.
Kiyimba Joseph, CEO Ambiance and Ambiance tree farms. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)