Defunct Kasese park to get new lease of life after presidential directive

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The abandoned Kasese Industrial and Business Park, once envisioned as a catalyst for industrialisation and job creation, is set for revival following a presidential directive.

Located on 275 acres along the Kasese-Mbarara highway in Kasese municipality’s central division, the park was commissioned in 2021 by President Yoweri Museveni to attract investors, boost value addition for Ugandan products, and generate employment.

However, after over 20 investors abandoned their plots due to infrastructural challenges, the site languished, leaving surrounding communities disillusioned and stifling progress toward Uganda’s industrial goals.

Fresh momentum for redevelopment

In a turnaround, the Government has launched a renewed effort to rehabilitate the park through a comprehensive infrastructure redevelopment plan.

During a stakeholder tour on August 3, 2025, Aisha Alibhai, a consultant for AKSA Infrastructure Ltd, the firm tasked with the park’s revival, confirmed that work is imminent, pending final financial agreements with the government.

Aisha Alibhai, a consultant for AKSA Infrastructure Ltd, the firm tasked with the park’s revival, confirmed that work is imminent, pending final financial agreements with the government. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

“The president has issued a written directive for us to develop the park. Once completed, it will create thousands of jobs, uplift livelihoods, and strengthen the economy,” Alibhai stated. She emphasised plans to construct high-standard roads, establish a waste management system, and expand power supply to the park to ensure factories operate efficiently. Additionally, the facility will serve as a gateway for Ugandan goods to domestic and international markets.

Addressing past failures

Cecilia Nakadama, the industrial park's manager at the Uganda Investment Authority, said 17 investors previously allocated land had failed to develop their plots due to poor infrastructure.

“We are now revoking offers from non-performing investors and reallocating land to committed partners,” she said, underscoring a stricter approach to accountability.

Local hopes and expectations

Kasese municipality mayor Chance Kahindo expressed relief over the revival plans, noting years of frustration over the park’s dormancy.

“For four years, we’ve grappled with disappointment as job-seekers and residents awaited opportunities. If executed seriously, this project will finally drive industrialisation, employment, and economic growth,” he said.

The redevelopment aligns with President Museveni’s focus on prioritising youth, women, and men in employment opportunities. 

Once operational, the Kasese Industrial Park is expected to transform the region into a hub of manufacturing and innovation, fulfilling its original promise as a cornerstone of Uganda’s industrial transformation.