Eastern Uganda showcased its rising economic potential on May 17, 2025, as a delegation of international investors toured the region’s industrial and agricultural powerhouses.

From the advanced manufacturing facilities at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park to the world-renowned Arabica coffee farms of Bugisu, the visit showcased Uganda’s preparedness to attract and anchor long-term investment in high-impact growth sectors.

The investors began their tour at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, where they were warmly received by Laurent, the park’s administration manager. In his remarks, Laurent praised Uganda’s investor-friendly environment, citing the favorable tax policies and stable climate.

“Uganda is a great country to invest in, with good tax incentives for investors. Please come, invest, and join us,” Laurent urged.

Established in 2017 as a flagship initiative by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the industrial park currently hosts 64 industries, 43 of which are operational. It has become a major engine of economic growth in the Bugisu region, generating hundreds of jobs and stimulating local enterprise.

Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Oliver Wonekha, who accompanied the delegation, commended the park as; “One of the greatest initiatives the President has done for the people of Bugisu, alongside boosting the coffee sector.”

The tour continued with a visit to Bugisu Cooperative Union Ltd., a cornerstone of Uganda’s coffee value chain. Welcoming the delegation, Cooperative Chairman John Musila applauded their hands-on approach.

“Your visit to our farms and factories is a strong gesture of goodwill. It signals promising business and friendship between you and Uganda’s coffee farmers,” Musila said.

The visit was also a culmination of Ambassador Wonekha’s ongoing efforts to connect Uganda’s world-renowned Arabica coffee with high-demand markets like China.

“I was part of the Coffee Marketing Board, and I remember our coffee from Sebei Union reaching China through other companies. I am happy that now we can trade directly,” she said.

Ambassador Wonekha noted that she brought the investors to witness firsthand the source of Bugisu’s world-class Arabica coffee, grown in rich volcanic soils and celebrated for its mild, sweet aroma and smooth flavor.

The Bugisu Cooperative comprises over 300 primary growers and operates a modern processing facility capable of producing 35 tons of green beans every eight hours.

The factory is fully equipped with advanced technology, including color sorter machines and gravity tables. In addition to exporting graded green coffee beans, the cooperative offers roasting, grinding, and packaging services for both domestic and international markets.

By presenting both the industrial and agricultural potential of the region in one coordinated visit, Uganda effectively positioned itself as a strategic and investor-ready destination.

The alignment between the Mbale Industrial Park and the Bugisu Cooperative reflects the country’s vision for integrated economic development, offering diverse entry points for investors seeking opportunities in processing, manufacturing, and agribusiness.

From modern industrial parks to premium coffee farms, Eastern Uganda is making a compelling case for foreign investment. With a welcoming business environment, strong government backing, and a clear development vision, the region is emerging as a promising frontier for sustainable industrial and agricultural growth in Africa.