Forty business leaders participated in the summit that discussed business opportunities in
sectors like agriculture, IT and ITES, energy, leather, chemicals, plastics and tourism. The
esteemed dignitaries of the UIA included Margaret L. Kyogire, Deputy High Commissioner, Uganda
High Commission; Naima Obombasa, Uganda Investment Authority Board Member and Richard
Nuwenyesiga, Deputy Director - Innovation, Science and Technology Development at Uganda
Investment Authority. Also present were Sanjiv Ramanlal Patel, Director of Tomil Group of
Companies and the oldest Indian in Uganda, and Dr. Amol Shinde, Private Secretary to Chief
Minister, Government of Maharashtra and Private Secretary to Union Minister of State for
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare. On behalf of GIBF, Vaishali Badle, the marketing head and
manager Suvarna Gawade were present for the summit.
Ms. Margaret introduced Uganda
and its investment opportunities in the country. Ms. Naima while informing about the
opportunities and government schemes for foreign direct investment said that Uganda is a haven
for investments.
“India has contributed
significantly towards Uganda’s economic growth and development. Today, India ranks second as
Uganda’s biggest source of Uganda’s FDI. We hope to attract more investments. Major areas of
interest are manufacturing, agriculture, construction, real estate, healthcare and education.
This should give assurance to all our brothers and sisters from India that Uganda is an
attractive investment destination and we hope to attract more investment,” Ms. Naima said. She
spoke about the Uganda government’s commitment in improving Uganda’s business environment with
its investment security, reliable electricity, improved roads and other infrastructure
developments. “These will open doors for preferential treatment,” she said. Ms. Naima assured
all the support from her government to Indian investors.
Mr. Sanjiv, while speaking about
his experience in Uganda said, “Uganda is a zero default country. If you invest in India, you
will get the returns in two years.”