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Investment and Privatisation Minister Evelyn Anite has told traders to upgrade to manufacturing to take advantage of incentives that many Ugandans believe are meant for foreigners.

Provision of incentives to investors remains a sticky issue in Uganda through which government foregoes an annual average of at least Shs2.4 trillion.

Thus, Ms Anite said Ugandans involved in merchandise trade should transition to manufacturing goods they import to improve the country’s industrialisation capacity and save government from spending foreign exchange on goods that can be manufactured here.

This, she also noted, would enable such traders to benefit from incentives that for years have largely been enjoyed by foreigners and a few Ugandans.

“Local investors in this country should [get] away from trading and [transition] to manufacturing. Get in agro-industries among others. They should become investors who qualify for incentive government keeps providing,” she said, noting that government has earmarked land in industrial parks and free zones, which some of those in trading could take advantage of and establish industries.

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