EVENT MAGAZINE Home is best Summit 2014 Stimulating and accelerating investment opportunities through local and Diaspora synergies

PUBLISHED BY INVESTMENT AUTHORITY TO COMMEMORATE THE 7TH HOME IS BEST SUMMIT IN UGANDA

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 1 President Yoweri K Museveni Chief Guest Home is Best Summit Gulu 2014

2 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine HOME IS BEST SUMMIT GULU 2014, EVENT MAGAZINE CONTENTS

Publisher: UGANDA INVESTMENT AUTHORITY

Editorial: Sheila K Mugyenzi

Contributing writers: Dr. Opiyo Oloya Fred Moses Mukholi Hadijah Nabbale Richard Owinyi Etuu Valentine Ogwang Eria Kaweireku

Conceptual Design: Sheila K Mugyenzi

Design and Layout: Ssekalio Julius Ssekajja The Home is Best Summit 4 Economically empowering the Printing: Inline Print Services Ltd lives of women in Amuru 6 Investing back home in Gulu from Canada 7 Home, after all, is best 8 Government intervention in Northern Uganda 10 Mandate of the Diaspora Services Department Disclaimer: Diaspora investment projects 14 The authors and publisher declare that Investment Opportunities in Northern Uganda 16 they have compiled information and contributed articles to the best of their International Alert: Contributing to a knowledge. However, no warranty of peace economy in Northern Uganda 18 representation is made to the accuracy of this information. The publisher assumes SME Exhibitions: 20 no responsibility for the mistakes that may Uganda: A Fast Growing Economy 22 arise from the use of this document or content therein n the publication

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 3 2014, at which H.E. the President has been invited to be Chief Guest. The Home is Best The summit will present vast business opportunities to the participants who will come Summit from the region and beyond. Introduction by Eng Dr Frank Sebbowa Northern Uganda is strategically Executive Director, Uganda Investment Authority located and show goers and exhibitors can easily come in from neighboring countries like Kenya, Southern Sudan and DR Congo. The companies and enterprises that will participate in the Home is Best Summit - Gulu, will exhibit their products and we hope that business linkages will be established. The Home is Best Summit- Gulu will showcase a fast developing region and the “LET US GO TO GULU” Business Summit is a must attend for industrialists and service providers looking to expand their businesses and begin new ones.

Why Northern Uganda? • Provide information to the Ugandans in the Diaspora and Background from Diaspora and their families, resident in the country about Since 2003 Uganda Investment government officials, as well as the available resources Authority (UIA), in partnership foreign and local private sector and opportunities for business with Ministries, Departments and persons. The past Summits have growth and investment in Uganda, Agencies; and the Private Sector also paid attention to specific particularly Northern in Uganda has organized Diaspora sectors of investment like ICT, Uganda. Investment Summits, under Education Finance, Health Care Equip participants with necessary the theme “Home is the Best”. and Tourism. The notable outputs information on value addition/ Kampala has been the main venue have resulted into the practical agro processing projects in for these Summits. However Mini- actions like the Dual Citizenship • Northern Uganda, Technology Summits have been held in Lira Law and the formation of a and equipment, as well as the 2009, Mbale 2010, Gulu 2011, and Diaspora Desk in the Ministry of necessary skills. Mbale 2012. Foreign Affairs. • Provide information about This year, 2014, UIA has organized the available Business The summits are one of the a one week multi-activity development support many efforts to bring the event including a products and • Encourage networking and Ugandan Diaspora into active services exhibition, cultural gala, partnerships, through the participation in private investment seminars and conference, business exhibition, cultural galas and home and contribution to the to business meetings, and to experience sharing. national economic development. crown it all an investment • Present the true scenario that Participants include persons summit on 19th December Northern Uganda is safe for

4 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine trade and investment within and Economic Development; sector for focusing on Northern Uganda and beyond the borders. Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Uganda this year. We look forward On behalf of UIA, I thank United Nations Development to increased economic activity Ministry of Finance, Planning Programme; and the private and development in the region. Apwoyo matek!

Home is Best business seminars and exhibitions are opportunities for networking with government officials and the business community

L-R: Mr. Juma Kisaame, Managing Director, DFCU Bank and Mr. Joseph Kitamirike attend the Home is Best Summit 2010 in Kampala

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 5 Economically empowering the lives of women in Amuru

Amina Hersi Moghe Amina’s journey in business is an inspiration to Ugandans living within and out of the country considering that her decision to convince her family to set up shop in Uganda was out of good business sense and foresight that the location was very viable.

She started with a hardware shop, which still runs today as Kingstone Hardware, one of the largest distributors of construction materials in Kampala. The success of the hardware shop as well as funds secured from banks has seen the family business diversify into real estate development to set up commercial and residential complexes and now agro processing in Northern Uganda. She has won international recognition for her business prowess. The national accolades to her name include the Best Woman Investor of the Year 2008 by Uganda Investment Authority and the Best Woman Entrepreneur 2008 by Uganda Entrepreneurs Courtesy Photo (Daily Monitor) Amina gives the President a token of appreciation for his Association Limited (UWEAL). assistance in making Laburnam Courts (luxury apartments) a reality. Photo by Faiswal Kasirye. Amina’s journey in business Amina Hersi Moghe is now fondly milling project in Amuru, that known in the business community has provided an opportunity for is an inspiration to Ugandans as a ‘Ugandan’ with Kenyan generating income to 600 rural living within and out of the women in Pacilo Parish. The sugar Somali origin who possesses an country considering that unshakeable faith in Uganda’s project aims to employ over 1,500 economy and where it is going. people directly with over 5,000 her decision to convince out growers. In order to carry out her family to set up shop this project, Amina is working in After completing a 40,000sq ft in Uganda was out of good shopping mall and a 164 luxury partnership with the Gulu Women apartments complex in the heart Entrepreneurs Association, whose business sense and foresight of Kampala, Amina is now setting aim is to develop the districts of that the location was very the ground to kick-start a sugar- Amuru, Atiak, Kamdin and Noya in Northern Uganda. viable.

6 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine (managed by an international Investing back home chain), as well as a shopping center/mall with major tenants in Gulu from Canada like a supermarket, bank, cinema, etc! Dr George Williams Otto

Dr. Otto is indeed an inspiration to not only Ugandans in the Diaspora but also to those residing back home that saving for investment can be achieved and developing our home areas is a noble act that will not only enable one to gain profit but will contribute to the government efforts to eradicate poverty in Uganda. He has decided that this time round he will need to obtain long- term financing from a bank. This is why the participation of entities providing financial services and solutions in the Diaspora Summits is important.

UIA looks forward to a funding solution concretized during this Diaspora Summit in Gulu. The developments will no doubt Dr. George Williams Otto is a Gulu more and provide the increase tourism to the member of the Uganda Diaspora much needed jobs, Dr. Otto now region and boost investment in community that has invested plans to build a three-star hotel other sectors due to the services significantly in Gulu. He currently provided by the structures in plan. owns and operates a medical centre in Toronto, Canada. A few years ago, he was invited by Uganda Investment Authority to invest back home, which he did in real estate, transportation and road works. His hostel at opened its doors in August 2014 and presently accommodates about 200 students. His road construction company is also based in Gulu and is actively involved in road works in the region. All this investment has amounted to about US $1 million in Northern Uganda without borrowing from any bank! In a bid to develop University Hostel in Gulu

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 7 Home, after all, is best Perspective by Dr Opiyo Oloya Superintendent of Schools, York Catholic District School Board

work, creating wealth, value and opportunities. On Thursday, July 15, 2014, for example, I was in Juba, South Sudan to see the successful intervention by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in stopping the civil disturbances early in January 2014. The fledgling nation was sliding back into civil war, but the UPDF presence changed the landscape toward peace. Juba was very peaceful and, from what I could see as we drove from the airport, people settled back into their routine.

In town I was invited to meet highly motivated Uganda entrepreneurs. They were organised and established in Juba. Right there in Juba, they had built one of the most modern markets in East and Central Africa, complete with shiny new stalls, new roof and clean and healthy Dr. Opiyo Oloya is a Ugandan writer, broadcaster, and educator surroundings. The story was based in Toronto, Canada. He is married to Emily, with two children, remarkable because the group Oceng and Ogaba. He earned a doctorate in 2010 from York that included traders, vendors University, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws at and transporters had built their York University in 2012. He is currently Superintendent of schools businesses from scratch without a single coin from any bank, with the York Catholic District School Board. government or non-governmental organisation. It is timely that the Uganda project, long overdue which Investment Authority (UIA) has recognizes the wealth out there Like the proverbial ants that organised the entrepreneurial and ready for much investment, to never sleep, the traders collected development events in Gulu this lift up brothers and sisters from money, a bit here, a bit there, and week under the theme Home is poverty into perpetual wealth a bit everywhere, until the money Best. The focus is on citizens at creation. grew. All the while, the group home and scattered around the focused on the goal of establishing globe—and every space, village, I have seen the vast potential themselves as modern traders town, city on the face of the planet of Ugandans here in North who pay taxes, and play by the has a Ugandan in it—contributing America, Europe, and in East rules. Most impressive was their toward the development of the Africa. Wherever I have travelled, attitude—they felt blessed to have country. This is a very worthy there are Ugandans busy at each other as companions and

8 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine partners toward job and wealth There are those with capital for The two young men who were creation. And what was this all investment in various sectors conversing in Acholi came and for? To a woman and man, they in our society, creating much sat next to me. They too were were convinced that their work welcome jobs. Others, meanwhile, travelling from Harare, Zimbabwe in Juba would benefit the folks left have the talent for innovation to Entebbe. They went to back home in Uganda. that can be passed on to others, Zimbabwe to try out for soccer. over and over again. The Diaspora What most impressed me about When I flew to Bor town in is especially rich in all these these two young men was their Jonglei State the following day, I forms of wealth. complete focus on success—they met with another group of Uganda grew up in tough times but for entrepreneurs. Only a few months There are those whose skills and them this was not an excuse to do earlier, the town was the scene of knowledge could transform the nothing. Instead, they were busy one of the most brutal massacres lives of young people especially planning to become successful in history. Yet, to their credit, these in the fields of information in whatever they do even if the Ugandan traders were their own technology, business, science soccer career did not work out. brothers and sisters. They were and agriculture. In northern and equally well coordinated and eastern parts of our beautiful To make a start in life, we have to organised. The group too was country, now free from the be bold like the two young men. focused on wealth creation for scourges of the insurgency that But to truly succeed, we need to the benefit and welfare of those sucked all life out in the mid- come together like the men and left behind at home in Uganda. 1980s through the mid-2000s, women traders in Juba and Bor in Just as I did for the group in Juba, there are highly motivated young South Sudan. The Home is Best I addressed them, applauding their people with strong desire to get event is an important opportunity thrifty skills as entrepreneurs out of poverty, if only they had to meet, share ideas and, most and as the real ambassadors of the means to. These are the important, form lasting bonds Uganda who show others how children who grew up during the that bring together boundless and focused and serious Ugandans are difficult years and who are young unbridled energy to create a new about development and progress. adults ready to take their places in society filled with innovative ideas. society. What they lack in wealth, For me, the real point of pride was knowledge and skills, they make up Uganda is extremely rich and to seeing these Ugandans in action for it with sheer determination diverse, but even richer as a in somebody else’s backyard. Away to succeed. unified whole where ideas bind from their own hometowns, these and propel the nation. Home, women and men were not sitting I met two such individuals after all, is best. on their hands while waiting for as I waited at Jomo Kenyatta someone else to pull them up International airport on my way [email protected] on their feet. They were already back to Uganda from Mogadishu. on their feet thinking, planning, working in tandem and looking forward on how to better their lot. What’s more, they saw the fruits of the labour not as an end itself but as a way to return home to do even better. What they were able to demonstrate were some important truths about development and wealth creation. Foremost, wealth comes in many forms including the very real talent for business creation as demonstrated by the good folks in Juba and Bor. UNCDF Courtesy Photo

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 9 of getting people to manage their Government intervention in development and governance matters is through decentralisation Northern Uganda of powers and resources. It under this system of governance Overview by Hon Rebecca Amuge Otengo that Northern Uganda has been Minister of State for Northern Rehabilitation, Office of the Prime Minister treated equitably as other regions of the country.

Since the 1990s, the Government of Uganda (GoU) has been In the case of Northern Uganda, promoting a development agenda that has led to a reduction in however, there are not only poverty nationally, with visible improvement in many of the welfare equalisation grants, but additional indices. projects to deal with heightened levels of poverty brought about by insecurity such as Northern Uganda Rehabilitation Programme (NUREP); Northern Uganda Agricultural Livelihoods Recovery Programme (ALREP) and the Karamoja Livelihoods Programme (KALIP); Northern Uganda

Social Action Fund (NUSAF) 1and 2, The Peace, Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) 1 and 2 etc.

The NRM government has maintained a commitment to provide security to all citizens of this country and to create an enabling environment for Inspecting animals delivered to the beneficiaries in Northern Uganda (Apala s/c) production and development. The number of Ugandans who are to basic services is poor. Whereas the country has achieved unable to meet their basic needs remarkable economic growth, this declined from 56% in 1992 to 38% The presence of prolonged conflict has not yet effectively translated in 2003 and further to 31% in 2006 in the North for over 20 years is into reduced levels of poverty in with a simultaneous improvement the major factor explaining the Northern Uganda. in other indices relating to access poor living conditions in the North to health, education and water and whilst at the same time it is the While the proportion of persons sanitation. major impediment to increasing living below the poverty line GDP growth in Uganda. GoU has dropped in other parts of the However, the welfare indices however continued with all its country, the proportion of people for Northern Uganda have not programmes aimed at promoting living in poverty in the North rose improved at the same pace as growth and development in the instead. Thirteen out of the 16 the rest of the country. Income North as elsewhere in the country. districts country-wide that show poverty remains significantly high, a continuing decline in human literacy rates are low and access One of the most effective ways development indices are from

10 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Hon Rebecca Amuge Otengo inspecting improved seeds supplied under the EU/ALREP Project in Lango. Northern Uganda. Northern Government decided to ‘This time round districts score very poorly on address the drastic effects socio-economic indicators when of conflicts and poverty which the President compared to the rest of the are of immediate and short- country. term duration. This time round has directed that the President has directed that we target the It is against this background we target the households so that that H.E the President of the we improve the living conditions households so that Republic of Uganda, Yoweri K of the people worst affected by Museveni, issued a directive insecurity in the North. we improve the for the preparation of living conditions third PRDP. The documents for It is against this background that successor programmes to PRDP2 I, as Minister charged with the of the people and NUSAF 2 will be presented responsibility of rehabilitation the to Cabinet very soon. Special North, invite private investment worst affected thanks go to His Excellency the into the region. The potential by insecurity in the President for having the people for business is great and if our of Northern Uganda at heart. resources are harnessed for North.’ business, the jobs created will Recognizing that the recovery greatly contribute to poverty and development of Northern eradication in Northern Uganda. Uganda is a long-term prospect, Welcome to Northern Uganda.

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 11 Mandate of the Diaspora Services Department by Mr Fred Moses Mukholi Head of Diaspora Services Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

management and implementation Bank to carry out a feasibility study of the National Diaspora Policy; on the engagement of Ugandans • Promoting a mutually beneficial in the Diaspora to participate in relationship between the infrastructure development in Government and overseas Uganda specifically in the energy, Ugandans; roads and railways sectors. • Maintenance of a data base on The government of Uganda the identity, location and skills of is encouraging Public Private the Ugandan Diaspora; Partnerships in the sector. • Identification and dissemination of information on relevant 3. Investment Opportunities opportunities for the Diaspora in Uganda community; The Ministry together with • Mobilization of resources for UIA with support from the Diaspora programs; United Nations Development • Participation in National and Programme under the ’Capacity International Diaspora initiatives; Building for Strengthening Diaspora Resource Mobilization Services/Programmes and Utilization’ project, compiled The Government of Uganda is currently offered by a compendium of business cognizant of the important role the Diaspora Services profiles and investment that Ugandans abroad can play in Department opportunities available in the social, economic and political Uganda for our Diaspora. This development of the country. In 1. The National Diaspora compendium was launched in recognition of this, in 2007 H.E. Policy 2013. Copies of the compendium the President directed that a With support from United were distributed at the launch and Diaspora Services Department Nations Development Programme at various Diaspora conventions. be established in the Ministry of (UNDP), the Ministry of Foreign Copies are also available at our Foreign Affairs. The Department Affairs in consultation with Missions abroad as well as on the envisions a well-respected and other stakeholders has finalized Ministry website. proudly competitive Ugandan a draft National Diaspora Policy, Diaspora that not only contributes which will soon be considered by 4. Home is Best Summit significantly to the productivity and Cabinet. The main objective of this Every December, the Ministry of well-being of the countries where policy is to unbind constraints Foreign Affairs partners with the they reside or work but maintains that affect the Ugandan Diaspora Uganda Investment Authority to strong economic, political, social and their participation in Uganda’s organize and participate in the and cultural ties with Uganda. national development. “Home is Best Summit.” The Ministry encourages and supports The mandate of the Diaspora 2. Infrastructure more Ugandans in the Diaspora to Services Department Development Programme participate in this event as a channel includes the following: The Diaspora Services of communication, interaction • Driving the development, Department was funded by World and sharing ideas on how best

12 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine they can participate in Uganda’s development, challenges, successes and opportunities.

5. Uganda Conventions. Every year, the Department participates in the various conventions organized for and by the Ugandans in the Diaspora. These include the Uganda North America Association, the Uganda UK and the Uganda Nordic conventions. The Department encourages other Uganda Diaspora Communities in different parts of the world to form associations that unite them as Ugandans with the aim of contributing to the development in their home country, Uganda. Group Photo of the delegates at the Business forum in Stockholm Sweden organised by the Uganda 6. Anti Human Trafficking Embassy staff in Denmark with Minister of State for Finance Hon. Aston Kajara (third from right seated); Minister of State for Luwero Triangle, Hon Sarah Kataike Ndoboli; Ambassador for the Nordic programmes Countries HE. Amb. Zaake W Kibedi (third from left seated) and Eng Dr Frank Sebbowa (standing Human trafficking is one of Centre with yellow Necktie) the biggest challenges that the Department is facing where many especially in time of distress. The unsuspecting Ugandans especially department assists in any way the unemployed youth it possibly can but sometimes are lured into going abroad with the distressed Ugandans The Department promises of better opportunities in the Diaspora cannot be reached only to be trapped, abused and due to lack of information on their envisions a well- stranded. The Department works personal details. respected and closely with other stakeholders proudly competitive including the police, Ministry of We appeal to the Ugandan Internal Affairs, Ministry of Gender, Diaspora to register with Uganda’s Ugandan Diaspora Labor and Social Development Mission Abroad and/or with the that not only and Uganda’s Missions abroad to Diaspora Services Department, combat this crime. Ministry of Foreign Affairs in contributes 7. The Government has Kampala, Uganda. Please visit the significantly to the drafted and signed various MOFA website www.mofa,go. productivity and M.O.Us with some foreign ug to register yourselves and governments on the transfer your family members to enable us well-being of the of Ugandans imprisoned have you in our records. This will countries where they abroad. enable us to contact you in an reside or work but emergency or should you require 8. Linking the Diaspora with consular services. maintains strong their relatives in Uganda economic, political, The Department has on many https://www.facebook.com DiasporaServicesDepartmentMOFA social and cultural occasions been approached by relatives of the Ugandans We encourage you to use our ties with Uganda. abroad to help in tracing them facebook page as an interactive platform.

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 13 fill the gap of clean energy in Diaspora investment rural and peri-urban markets by distributing and marketing projects liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to low income Ugandans as a Compiled by Ms Hadijah Nabbale sustainable and environmentally Programme Officer, NUNV (UNDP) friendly alternative cooking fuel source to charcoal and kerosene. The company also supplies discounted durable clean energy cooking stoves and boiling ring stoves to domestic customers and institution / commercial customers, respectively. In the first year of reception of Spark II funds, WANA will identify, train and fund three to five women entrepreneur to promote and extend the company’s business model to further strengthen the community ties of peripheral Kampala to promote clean energy usage with sustainable health and environmental impact. When it comes to the world of complete. They are environment However, just like it is in any investing, to many, three words friendly since they do not need business, these two Diaspora come to mind: overwhelming, burning for strengthening. investors said that they have intimidating, and scary. Dr. Margaret Dr. Wasirwa is a retired UK faced a number of challenges Lubega and Dr. Emmy Wasirwa are Primary health worker and like corruption and difficulty two among many individuals that founder of Wana Energy Solutions in getting competent trust were not deterred by any of Limited. With startup capital of worthy employees to manage that negative energy to invest in about £2500 (UGX 100 Million), the projects. Nevertheless, they their home country Uganda. Their he started this company in press on to achieve the best out separate projects employ youth renewable energy which now their investments; after all, every and contribute to National employs over 20 people. investor should be prepared to Development. He set up Wana Solutions to start small and grow. Dr. Lubega, a Pediatrician and Medical Director in North Carolina USA, is the founder of Athi Building Products Company Ltd. located in Buwalato Entebbe Wakiso District and manufacturing interlocking bricks. It employs 9 youth. The interlocking technology produces strong, weather resistant bricks that look neat thereby doing away with the need to plaster the building when

14 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 15 Investment Opportunities in Northern Uganda

by Mr Valentine Ogwang Ag Director, Investment Promotion Division

Compiled by Ms Hadijah Nabbale Programme Officer, NUNV (UNDP)

There is a swing of economic a bid to create regional balanced processing of maize, sorghum activities from other parts of the economic growth. Northern and cassava into flour and other country to Northern Uganda. This Uganda has been and is still being products which can fetch high part of the country went through promoted as a destination returns. There are investment a civil war and civil strife that led of commercial agriculture, agro opportunities in commercial to people being displaced and processing and tourism. agriculture, dairy and beef businesses collapsing. Now that production, fruits and vegetables peace returned to the Northern UIA works in partnership production and processing, as well region business is brisk and the with other government as cross border trade with South people of Uganda, as well as non line agencies, private sector Sudan, DR Congo, North West Ugandans are looking to harness associations, as well as non- Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. the under exploited trade and government organisations like Real estate development and investment opportunities that had International Alert which has put construction is at its peak in the eluded the region’s economy for in a lot of effort in sensitising the region. Business in whole sale so long. people about security and peace and retail is also viable. in the Northern Region. Uganda Investment Authority There is still a need for more (UIA) as an arm of government Uganda Investment Authority services in financial solutions, to promote and facilitate invites both indigenous health and education as well investments for both indigenous and foreign investors especially as tourism accommodation. and foreign businesses has been our own brothers and sisters in The region is also abundantly at the forefront of promoting the the Diaspora come and invest in endowed with minerals, so there Northern Region in all sectors in the Northern region in the agro are viable opportunities for

16 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine adding value to the minerals that The Home is Best Summit Gulu has UIA is confident that there will will have been mined. There is provided the exhibition space free be creation of partnerships and a great need for investment in of charge and the exhibitors are signing of contracts through this exploration, which government allowed to brand their spaces and week long networking event. of Uganda is continuously seeking make sales. The exchange of seller- ways to incentivize. buyer contacts is encouraged.

Diaspora investments in other parts of Uganda Private investments in Northern Uganda

- Gulu Independent Hospital - Gulu Independent Hospital - Community Hospital Mbarara - Dunavant - Paragon Hospital Kampala - Victoria Seeds - Ugarose - Hotels – Paraa Lodge, Acholi Inn, White - Sembeguya Castle, Heritage Safaris - Jakana Ltd - Banks – BOU, Stanbic, Barclays, Crane, DFCU, - ICT/ Schools Post Bank - Executive Airport Hotel - MFIs – Rural Focu Uganda, CMF, FINCA, - Lindsay Apartments Pride Microfinance - Arkright Projects - African Power Initiative - African Power Initiative (Karamoja

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 17 Contributing to a peace economy in Northern Uganda

International Alert, is an economics, gender relations, of the region as one of the most international peace-building social development, climate attractive investment destinations organisation – and active in over change, and the role of businesses in Uganda. 20 countries around the world, and international organisations in focussing its work on resolving high-risk regions. Alert developed the Guide for conflict, post-conflict and potential Investors to Northern Uganda conflict areas with an aim of Since its inception in Uganda in which advises on key things analysing pertinent factors through 2007, International Alert’s they can do to promote peace research as its evidence-based Business for Peace strand has economy. interventions towards building recorded numerous achievements peace – hence, the organisation’s in helping investors, policy makers Advice to Investors slogan: Understanding conflict. and the people of Northern In attempting to make sense of Building peace. Particularly, Uganda improve on their land acquisition in the region, the organisation’s work respective perceptions and, thus investors should be aware that focuses on issues that influence make investment decisions which people in the region are eager for peace, namely: governance, have resulted in due considerations investments that will help raise the

Recent high level dialogue meeting on Land and Investment in Northern Uganda at Church Hill Courts Hotel

18 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine productivity of local farmers by adding value to local production activities (e.g. processing plants, cooling factories, warehouses, etc).

As it is likely that such investments will have smaller demand for land attached, they represent clearly identifiable win-win opportunities where investors will face fewer hurdles in gaining access to land (often suitable sites will be in and around industrial and/or urban areas where land plots are legally privatised and are available as premises for sale or rent); and Nwoya District Chairman officiating at a community Sensitisation on conflict sensitive investment in Nwoya local producers and the economy will feel immediate tangible out conflict-sensitive corporate Policy recommendations benefits. responsibility initiatives should Restoring a peace economy in ensure that such projects address Northern Uganda cannot be done Investors need to recognise the risks they might pose in terms without tangible input by policy the community’s right to be of increasing local tensions, paying makers/government. Through the concerned about the changes particular care to beneficiary guide for investors, International which investments in their areas selection and coordinating Alert advises policy makers to will inevitably bring to their lives and complimenting existing boost capacity of district land and livelihoods. Investors need programmes and priorities of administration and management to send an implicit message that local government. Interventions agencies; expedite setting up they consider the community should be designed through functional District Investment to be a partner. There is a need careful consultation with affected Committees (DICs) in the region; to encourage the process of populations and leaders, and in re-establish the UIA office in relationship-building for the support of district development Northern Uganda and implement parties to reach a win-win plans. a better communication strategy situation. regarding the PRDP within the Investors should also pay attention region. Investors should establish regular to the sustainability of initiatives channels of communication with – many “good intentions” Once these recommendations are those people whose perspectives fail simply because their long- well implemented, it will not be were identified during the initial term upkeep was not considered, difficult for the region to achieve consultation process as salient to or they did not consider local robust economic growth. the project’s success. Investors needs and custom. need to take proactive steps to For more information use the media to inform host Investors interested in Northern please visit us at: communities about project Uganda should also consider International Alert developments. This will have organising discussions amongst Third Floor, Ruth Towers, 15A enormous benefits in minimising themselves to think collectively Clement Hill Road, false rumours and controversies, and strategically about how P. O. Box 70641, Kampala and empowering local people business can maximise its potential Tel: +256 (0) 414 347200, to engage constructively in their to contribute to a peace economy Fax: +256 (0) 414 347204 environment. in the region by exploring lessons Email: from other countries. [email protected] Investors planning and carrying Website: www.international-alert.org

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 19 SME Exhibitions: A platform for enhancing business Mr Basil Ajer Director, Small and Medium Enterprises Division

for markets and expansion of The Investment code Act (2000) their enterprises through various charges Uganda Investment strategies. Since 2013, UIA has Authority (UIA) with the mobilized SME actors, profiled responsibility to create an enabling them, and established their environment for the private sector products range and capacities in to grow. Lessons learned from order to introduce them to the other developing and developed market. This years’ Home is Best economies show thriving private Summit Gulu SME Exhibition is sector led economies have grown one such avenue to introduce both on the ‘backs’ of small and medium SMEs and other existing businesses enterprises (SMES) as these have to Ugandans in the Diaspora the potential to create and our visiting businesses in more employment and enrich the region. Through this event indigenous residents of a country we envision interventions to participate meaningfully in the for stimulating private sector economic development of the Besides, the market is influenced growth, especially SMEs, addressing country. by increasing demand for higher economic disparities and adding The SME focus of UIA is to quality products. Worse still, value to the natural resource strengthen the existing businesses individual production units are endowments in Northern Uganda and encourage the start ups scattered which undermines their through strategies that support and ability to reap from economies UIA uses a regional approach encourage the consumption of scale. In some cases, the to expose the SMEs to various of locally produced goods and production environment limits markets. The first regional services. The strategies should the ability of SMEs to produce exhibition was in Mbale at which it also help SMEs access reliable, up- good quality products and to scale was learned that the involvement to-date and timely information to up production to commercially of big established companies enable selection of target markets, viable quantities. It is against this is important to provide lessons product development, technical background that Uganda needs in branding, quality, packaging, skills, Business Development Ugandans in the Diaspora to distribution and the other factors Services and financial solutions as invest in the transfer of new of the marketing mix, hence the mix this is an important contributor technologies either in partnership of companies in the exhibition. The to business success. with existing SMEs or individually, introduction of the business so as to enable Ugandan products development services during the According to reliable research, the to be competitive in the exhibitions started during the deployment of inferior technology, country and regional market Greater Masaka exhibition. As low capital and production skills SMEs seek for market access, they often results in low quality and Interested businesses and need to know how and when to do quantity of products that do not individuals can draw from the it. Services such as the standards compete favorably in the market. UIA data base of SMEs looking and quality maintenance, business

20 Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine registration, book keeping, tax as an investment opportunity in Uganda Women Entrepreneurs returns and records keeping are the country. The preparations for Association Limited (UWEAL), passed on to the SMEs during the the exhibition have involved all the Uganda National Chamber business clinics carried out during regions of Northern Uganda from of Commerce and Industry the exhibitions. West Nile, Acholi, Lango, Karamoja (UNCCI), Uganda Small Scale and Teso. These will be supported Industries Association (USSIA), In January 2014, UIA specifically by other private enterprises AgriPro Focus, Traidlinks, aBitrust, targeted the Northern Uganda from the rest of the country. Consortium for enhancing women entrepreneurs through University Responsiveness to an exhibition in Gulu. It attracted UIA works in partnership with Agribusiness Development the women entrepreneurs who other SME development Limited (CURAD) and are mainly accredited to UWEAL. organizations such as Uganda International Alert, among others. They were able to showcase their Registration Services Bureau These provide a supportive role to products and benefit from the (URSB), Uganda National Bureau the efforts of UIA in mobilizing the business development services of Standards (UNBS), Ministry of exhibitors, nurturing, promoting, from members of Team Uganda Trade, Industry and Cooperatives facilitating and providing aftercare (about 35 government agencies (MTIC), Uganda Export services to the Micro Small and involved in setting up and Promotion Board (UEPB), Uganda Medium Enterprises. At the grass facilitating business in Uganda). Revenue Authority (URA), ISCP-U, roots, UIA is reviving the District The weeklong exhibition also Uganda Industrial Research Investment Committees as a attracted exhibitors from all over Institute (UIRI), Private Sector vehicle for further mobilization the East African Community. Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and sensitization. During the exhibition, civil society like International Alert committed to partner more with UIA to attract more investment to Northern Uganda. As a follow up to the successful exhibition, UIA and the district leadership of Gulu decided to hold yet another exhibition, this time spiced up with events targeting the Ugandans leaving in the Diaspora.

This year’s exhibition has been combined with the annual Home is Best Summit which is going to be rotated among the districts in Uganda. It is supposed to showcase the investment opportunities in Northern Uganda, especially those that can stimulate and accelerate the development of the region. The uniqueness of this exhibition is that the Ugandans who have been remitting money to the country and putting up investments will have a chance to show how far their business have grown. Also noteworthy will be the combining of the cultural UIA Skills training in soap production undertaken with UWEAL: Sixty two (62) participants aspects with business with the from Kitgum district attended the training at Lugogo Transit Restaurant, Kitgum in May 2014. view of enhancing cultural tourism

Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine Home is best Summit Gulu 2014 Event Magazine 21 here in Uganda. In the medium term, our competitive advantage lies in agro-processing using locally- Uganda: sourced inputs and lower skilled labour, even as we train for higher A Fast Growing Economy value added industries. Hon Maria Kiwanuka At this moment, all our neighboring Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development countries are our net food importers. I think we should seize this moment, and increase our productivity to answer the food requirements of Western Kenya, Northern Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Eastern Congo. That is where our geographical location becomes an advantage. You can get to these countries by land in 4 hours, even while we are along the shores of Lake Victoria.

Infrastructure development Government has commenced the rehabilitation and constructed numerous bridges across the country. These bridges are mainly in Northern, Karamoja, Rwenzori and other areas of North Eastern Uganda. During the forthcoming year, Government will accelerate the construction on at least 1,700 km or Over the past 20 years, Uganda has road, among which are some major been one of the ten fastest-growing roads in Northern Uganda. Under economies in the world. Things may the rural electrification programme Under the rural have slowed down a bit during the an additional 15 districts were electrification global financial crisis, but now connected to the national grid, among them being, Lamwo, Nakapiripit, programme an we are back in form. The goal now is to make sure that this growth is Amudat, , Dokolo, Amolatar, , additional 15 inclusive and sustainable. Inclusivity Alebtong, Moroto, and Napak. Work districts were means giving Ugandans more has commenced to connect about opportunities to support themselves 11 districts countrywide and by connected to the and their families. The sustainable 2016 the long but steady journey of national grid, among part comes in meeting their families’ supplying electricity to all districts of needs in terms of service. That is the country will be complete. them being, Lamwo, why I always emphasize agriculture, The provision of modern and Nakapiripit, Amudat, agro processing, distribution and lasting infrastructure, shall enable the delivery of services, create jobs, , Dokolo, Amolatar, tourism. Northern Uganda is richly endowed to harness the resources in eliminate poverty, increase incomes , Alebtong, Moroto, these sectors. Government’s export and ultimately improve the overall and Napak. strategy is to maximize demand for quality of life of Ugandans. our products and services above Excerpts from World Folio and beyond local effective demand, Interview and the Budget Speech thereby spurring demand for jobs 2014/15 with some editorial

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