Second Steering Committee Meeting to Review the Draft Masterplans for Uganda’s Proposed Industrial Park Sites in Lugazi and Tororo

Second Steering Committee Meeting to Review the Draft Masterplans for Uganda’s Proposed Industrial Park Sites in Lugazi and Tororo

May 4, 2026

Category

Meeting

Workshop

Kampala, Uganda, 29 April 2026. Uganda Freezones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA), in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), convened the Second Steering Committee Meeting under the DANIDA co-funded project “Developing the Capacity of the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority to Set Up Export Free Zones that Meet Global Green Trade Standards,” implemented through TradeMark Africa (TMA) and GGGI. The meeting aimed to discuss and review the project progress for the proposed green industrial park sites in Lugazi and Tororo and seek approval for the proposed masterplan drafts.

Key stakeholders discussed the draft masterplans for the two sites, building on the recent field visits and primary data collection that was conducted. The Committee also considered how Uganda can strengthen industrialization while integrating global green trade standards, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth into industrial development planning.

“Special Economic Zones and Free Zones are not merely designated geographic areas; they are strategic instruments for attracting export-oriented investment, strengthening value chains, and accelerating inclusive economic growth. However, this growth must be pursued sustainably to safeguard the country’s natural resources for future generations,” remarked Ms. Rebecca Nalumu Wamono, Senior Manager Operations and Compliance (Special Economic Zones), UFZEPA, and Chairperson of the Steering Committee.

The meeting supports Uganda’s national development agenda under Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV, 2025/26–2029/30), which identifies industrialization as a driver of economic transformation. The GGGI-supported initiative aims to demonstrate how industrial development can strengthen environmental integrity, enhance climate resilience, and promote socially inclusive growth.

Speaking during the meeting, Eng. Dr. Pablo Martinez, Country Representative, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), underscored the importance of embedding sustainability into industrial development planning. “Supporting Uganda’s industrialization through green growth approaches is essential. These industrial parks can drive economic growth while protecting natural resources, increasing resource efficiency, reducing pollution, and creating green jobs,” he noted.

The meeting brought together over 30 stakeholders from government, the private sector, and development partners, including Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the Uganda Investment Authority, the Uganda Revenue Authority, the National Environment Management Authority, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, the Uganda Manufacturers Association, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, TradeMark Africa, industrial park managers, technical consultants, and GGGI. The broad participation enabled an inclusive dialogue on how the proposed sites can strengthen Uganda’s competitiveness and export potential while advancing sustainable industrial development.

TradeMark Africa highlighted the significance of the milestone and the value of continued collaboration among stakeholders. “This milestone is important not only for project implementation, but also for demonstrating how partnerships between government, development partners, and the private sector can advance sustainable industrial development in Uganda,” noted Ms. Praxeda Ndagire, Program Manager, TradeMark Africa.

Key outcomes from the meeting included the agreement by participants to approve the draft masterplans for the proposed industrial park sites following the incorporation of stakeholder comments and technical edits, enabling the transition to the next phase of implementation. The next engagements will focus on investment discussions, investment mobilization opportunities, and strengthening engagement with key stakeholders to advance Uganda’s green industrialization agenda.