COL. NAKALEMA COMMENDS AGRO-PROCESSING INVESTORS FOR EXPANDING UGANDA’S INDUSTRIAL FUTURE

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith
Nakalema, has commended the directors of Avani Global Agri and Avani
Smarts Farm for expanding their investment in Uganda, describing their
commitment as a significant contribution to the country’s industrialisation,
value addition and economic transformation.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the company at SHIPU
offices in Kampala today, Col. Nakalema said the investors were not only
establishing businesses but also nurturing local talent and helping redefine
Uganda’s economic future.

“Your trust is our highest currency as an investment destination. In turn, we
dedicate ourselves to protecting your assets and your operations. At SHIPU, you have a dedicated shield and strategic partner” she said.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Works and
Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
(MAAIF), the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the
Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority.

On behalf of the Government of Uganda, Col. Nakalema thanked the
investors for choosing Uganda as the location for their regional operations
through an initial investment of US$5 million, describing the move as a
strong vote of confidence in the country’s investment climate.

She noted that the company’s investment in agro-processing aligns with
the government’s strategy of shifting from exporting raw agricultural
produce to manufacturing high-value products for international markets.

The project, located in Nwoya District, currently comprises more than 700
acres under turmeric and rosemary cultivation, with the crops destined for
wellness, food and medicinal products after value addition.

“Agriculture has long been the heartbeat of Uganda. However, primary
production is only one chapter of our agricultural story. Our national focus is
now on industrial value addition, and your investment fits perfectly within
that vision” Col. Nakalema said.

She also welcomed the company's plans to invest in electric mobility, noting that cleaner transport solutions would reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving environmental sustainability and public health.

Reaffirming SHIPU's mandate, Col. Nakalema said the Unit remains
committed to protecting investors by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy
and ensuring seamless coordination across government institutions.

“Our mandate is anchored on zero tolerance for bureaucracy and effective
coordination. That is why SHIPU exists to ensure investors can operate
with confidence” she said.

Avani Smarts Farm Director, Dr. Siva Mahesh said the company aims to
position Uganda as a global hub for life sciences molecule extraction from
agricultural products.

He revealed that turmeric and rosemary are already being cultivated on
more than 700 acres in Northern Uganda, with plans to expand production

to 5,000 acres before scaling up to between 10,000 and 30,000 acres
through partnerships with outgrower farmers.

"We want Uganda to become the life sciences molecule extraction hub for the world, not just Africa," Dr. Mahesh said, adding that the company plans to establish a world-class extraction facility in Kampala to process agricultural raw materials from Uganda and neighbouring countries.

He also unveiled plans to accelerate Uganda’s transition to electric mobility by converting existing motorcycles into electric bikes.

“Our goal is to make EV conversion affordable. Riders should not have to
buy a new motorcycle to embrace electric mobility”. he said.

The Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of
Works and Transport, Mr. Winstone Katushabe, said electric mobility has
become a national priority under the Fourth National Development Plan
(NDP IV) and the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

He noted that Uganda is laying the foundation for the transition through
local electric vehicle manufacturing by Kiira Motors, expansion of charging
infrastructure and growing private sector investment in electric motorcycles
and battery-swapping networks.

“We need more investment, public awareness and financing to accelerate
the transition. The government will continue putting in place policies and
regulations that support the private sector and make electric mobility a
success in Uganda," Mr. Katushabe said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Aacha Mary Orikiriza, Undersecretary at MAAIF, reaffirmed
the ministry’s commitment to supporting investment in high-value crops
such as turmeric and rosemary.

She said investors would benefit from government support in agricultural
research, innovation, climate-smart technologies, irrigation, mechanisation
and extension services.

Ms. Orikiriza welcomed the company’s 700-acre project in Nwoya District and encouraged the adoption of an outgrower model to integrate local
farmers into commercial production, create rural employment and expand
Uganda’s export capacity.

She added that the ministry would work with relevant government agencies
to facilitate licensing, tax incentives, export clearance and other regulatory
requirements, creating an enabling environment for investment and value
addition.