The Uganda Investment Authority has been awarded the Outstanding Investment Promotion Agency by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies. The award was presented at the 30th WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards in Geneva, Switzerland on November 10. This global recognition acknowledges the Authority's excellence in investment promotion and its significant contribution to attracting investment to Uganda.
The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies established the WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards to recognize Investment Promotion Agencies that have demonstrated excellence in attracting, facilitating, and retaining investment. The awards also acknowledge agencies that contribute to sustainable development. Established in 1995, WAIPA serves as the global umbrella organization for IPAs from over 110 countries.
Ambassador Marcel Tibaleka, Uganda's permanent representative to the United Nations, received the award on behalf of the Uganda Investment Authority. The award reflects the Authority's commitment to excellence in investment promotion. According to WAIPA, the recognition aims to identify and celebrate best practices, foster peer learning, and showcase how IPAs drive economic transformation and sustainable development.
The Uganda Investment Authority's recognition comes as the country pursues an ambitious economic transformation agenda. The agenda targets a 10-fold growth of the economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040. The focus is on value addition and industrialisation in agriculture, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology.
Under the leadership of Robert Mukiza, the UIA director general since 2021, the Authority has streamlined investor services through the One-Stop Centre. This has reduced the time required to issue investment licenses from 48 hours to 24 hours. The Authority has also mobilised more than 57,000 acres of land for industrial development nationwide.
Robert Mukiza describes the award as a collective achievement. He attributes the recognition to the hard work and dedication of the entire UIA team and their partners across government. Mukiza emphasizes that the focus now is on converting this recognition into real investments, real jobs, and real transformation for the Ugandan people.
The WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards recognize Investment Promotion Agencies that go beyond traditional promotion to facilitating investment that transforms economies and improves lives. The awards also reflect a commitment to excellence that inspires peer agencies across the globe.
Key points
- The Uganda Investment Authority was recognized for its excellence in investment promotion and contribution to sustainable development.
- The Authority has streamlined investor services, reducing the time required to issue investment licenses from 48 hours to 24 hours.
- Uganda aims to achieve a 10-fold growth of its economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.
Reporting sources
- Uganda Investment Authority awarded in Geneva · The Observer
