By Caroline.N
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revealed plans to establish a major industrial park in Kyegegwa District, marking a significant step in Uganda’s ongoing drive to accelerate industrialisation, create employment, and expand economic opportunities nationwide. The announcement was made during his tour of development initiatives in the Tooro Sub-region, where he emphasised the importance of balanced regional growth through value addition and industrial expansion.
According to the President, the decision to establish the industrial park followed repeated appeals from district leaders and residents, who highlighted the need for large-scale investment to support Kyegegwa’s growing population and commercial activity. The government plans to prioritise districts with strong agricultural potential so that industries are located near the raw materials they will process.
“The industrial park will focus on agro-processing, manufacturing, and value addition,” President Museveni said. “This will enable farmers to earn more from their produce and ensure that wealth remains within local communities.” Kyegegwa is renowned for its production of maize, beans, milk, bananas, and livestock, making it a strategic site for processing food crops, dairy products, animal feeds, and other agricultural commodities.
The proposed facility is expected to host multiple factories, including an avocado-processing plant, reflecting the government’s broader industrialisation agenda. Uganda has already established major industrial parks in Namanve, Mbale, Soroti, and Arua, which have successfully attracted local and foreign investment while boosting productivity. Government officials, including those from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, have begun preliminary assessments to identify suitable land for the project, while district authorities are ensuring that the site has access to electricity, water, and reliable transport infrastructure. In a previous plan, over 130,000 residents lived on land earmarked for the industrial park; however, the president later rescinded eviction orders and directed that the investment be relocated to an alternative site known as Kyaka II.
President Museveni also stressed that the government will continue improving the infrastructure needed for industrial growth, including upgrading the power distribution network, rehabilitating feeder roads, and extending water systems to industrial zones. These measures are intended to guarantee an adequate supply of electricity once factories in Kyegegwa become operational.
Local leaders welcomed the announcement, describing it as a major economic breakthrough for the district. The Kyegegwa LCV Chairperson said the project would help tackle youth unemployment and provide farmers with better market opportunities. Many residents expressed optimism that local processing would increase the value of their produce and stimulate economic growth.
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) is expected to oversee the development of the industrial park, including attracting investors, supervising infrastructure rollout, and ensuring adherence to environmental and investment standards. A detailed roadmap outlining timelines, funding options, and priority industries will be released by the Ministry of Finance and UIA in due course.
For Kyegegwa residents, the forthcoming industrial park represents a new chapter in the district’s development. It is expected to stimulate long-term economic transformation and provide sustainable livelihoods for thousands, in line with the government’s continued efforts to promote industrialisation across Uganda.