Govt, investors push waterways strategy to unlock Uganda’s infrastructure-led growth
Col. Nakalema commended both government agencies and investors for advancing the discussions, particularly the proposed Port City Development Project, which is expected to catalyze economic activity around key water transport nodes. She reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting credible investors and ensuring a conducive business environment.
The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, Col. Edith Nakalema, has convened a high-level engagement with investors from Mohan Mutha Infrastructures Ltd and senior government officials to explore large-scale infrastructure investments aimed at transforming Uganda’s economy.
The meeting brought together key policymakers, including Waiswa Bageya, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda, and Patrick Ocailap, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, alongside representatives from the private sector and regulatory agencies.
At the center of discussions was a proposal to reposition Uganda’s inland waterways—particularly Lake Victoria, River Nile, and Lake Albert, as key drivers of regional trade, tourism, and connectivity. Officials noted that harnessing these natural assets could significantly reduce transport costs, ease congestion on road networks, and open up new economic corridors across East Africa.
The engagement also emphasized the need for phased and bankable infrastructure investments, with a focus on developing priority hubs and deploying data-driven planning models to ensure efficiency and sustainability. Stakeholders agreed that such an approach would help unlock regional markets while positioning Uganda as a strategic logistics gateway within the region.
Private sector participation was highlighted as critical to delivering these ambitions, with Stephen Asiimwe, Executive Director of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, underscoring the importance of aligning public policy with investor needs to accelerate project implementation.
Col. Nakalema commended both government agencies and investors for advancing the discussions, particularly the proposed Port City Development Project, which is expected to catalyze economic activity around key water transport nodes. She reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting credible investors and ensuring a conducive business environment.
The meeting signals renewed momentum in Uganda’s infrastructure agenda, with policymakers increasingly turning to integrated transport solutions and public-private partnerships to drive long-term economic growth and regional competitiveness.
