By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have committed to partnering with relevant authorities to turn Uganda’s waste into valuable products such as clean energy, fertilizers and fuel.
This pledge was made during a visit by Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to a waste-processing facility in Sharjah, UAE.
Nabbanja, who was representing President Museveni at the 3rd UAE-Uganda Business Forum, toured the Sharjah plant which processes 1,000 tonnes of waste daily and generates 30 megawatts of clean energy enough to power 28,000 homes.
The new plan for waste management comes shortly after a deadly collapse at Uganda’s Kiteezi landfill that left 35 people and several other injured.
“We send our condolences to those who lost loved ones in that unfortunate incident. Rest assured, we will do whatever it takes to provide the best services and technology.” Fahim Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah said.
While touring the facility, Nabbanja was accompanied by State Minister for Foreign Affairs John Mulimba, Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE Zaake Wanume Kibedi and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa.
Nabbanja emphasized the need for Uganda to adopt modern waste management solutions to address the growing challenges, while Nyakana warned of the dangers posed by methane buildup in poorly managed landfills, signaling the planned decommissioning of the Kiteezi site.
The UAE investors expressed enthusiasm for the potential to transform Uganda’s waste into economically valuable products and indicated plans to visit the country by the end of the year to begin project implementation.
Nabbanja also urged the investors to explore Uganda’s agricultural sector as another avenue for investment, given the nation’s abundant food resources.
During the forum, one of the key moments was the presentation by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Ramathan Ggoobi who delivered a comprehensive analysis of Uganda’s economic landscape, highlighting its growth prospects and key investment opportunities.
This was followed by a panel discussion on doing business in Uganda moderated by Mr. Jamal Bin Saif Al Jarwan. The distinguished panel included PSST Ggoobi, NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota, Modern Group Managing Director Ashish Monopora and Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Anthony Kituuka. Each shared valuable insights into Uganda’s business climate and the benefits it offers to foreign investors.
Patrick Ayota, MD of Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF), also presented various investment opportunities in Uganda, specifically in joint ventures, underscoring the country’s commitment to creating partnerships that support sustainable development and economic prosperity.
The 3rd Edition of the Uganda-UAE Business Forum is an annual event organised by the Uganda embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Uganda Consulate General in Dubai which started on October 28-31, 2024.
