By Ronaldo N Kalangi
Kampala: The state minister for investment and Privatization Hon. Evelyn Anite has today unveiled the new board of Uganda Investment Authority at the Uganda Media Centre.
The new board is led by Mr. Emely Kugonza as chairperson, Mr. Fred Opolot, Mr. Morrison Rwakakamba, Mr. Joshua Mutambi, Mr. Godfrey Byamukama Kerere, Ms. Ombombasa Naima and Ms. Getrrude Kutesa Lutaaya. While speaking to Spy Uganda, Min. Anite revealed that finance minister Matia Kasaija, who approved this new team, has tasked them to work very hard and create a lot of job opportunities for youth in order to curb unemployment.
“They are to look for genuine investors who will start production of goods and services in Uganda through production, which will create a lot of employment opportunities,” she said She added that the new board will ensure markets investment opportunities; promote packaged investment projects; ensures local and foreign investors have access to information, especially about the business environment so as to make more informed business decisions which will spur development in Uganda.
UIA has been working without a board after the Finance minister Matia Kasaija fired the former board at the beginning of April, accusing them of laziness and corruption tendencies. Hon. Kasaija has set stringent conditions for these new members whereby each has been given a contract of three-years to check on their performance. One of the board members, Morris Rwakakamba, promised to work with other members so that they can fulfill their requirements of developing the economy. “I’m an economic researcher, know what there are loopholes in the current economy but by working together ,we shall create one of the best investment environments in Uganda and East Africa as whole.” he said. Recently President Yoweri Museveni warned members who worked in the Investment Authority that he would arrest all of them if they never stopped soliciting bribes from investors, which hampers economic growth and development of Uganda.
