The Mbale Industrial and Business Park, also known as the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, is rapidly transforming eastern Uganda’s economic landscape by providing thousands of jobs and fueling industrial growth.

Spanning 619 acres, the park now hosts 75 operational factories, significantly reducing youth unemployment and stimulating local revenue.

Mbale City Mayor, Cassim Namugali, revealed that over 800 young people are currently employed within these factories, with a total of approximately 15,000 jobs created since the park’s inception.

“A large portion of our population depends on this park for income. Without it, unemployment would be much worse,” Namugali said.

According to statistics from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) industries in the park range from textiles and cables to LED bulb manufacturing. The initiatives not only provide employment but also equip youth with modern production skills and entrepreneurial experience, aligning with Uganda’s national agenda to promote industrialization and reduce dependence on raw exports through value addition.

“These factories are not only providing income to our people but have also helped reduce the cost of living. Previously, we imported goods from Kenya, but now they are produced locally and sold more affordably,” Mayor Namugali stated.

The park’s success reflects in Mbale’s rising local revenue, which has jumped from Shs 800 million to Shs 3 billion, driven by increased taxes and property rates from the growing industrial base.

However, these developments registered challenges like delays in land compensation and settlement negotiations have slowed investor engagement, limiting the park’s full growth potential.

Despite this, local authorities remain optimistic focusing on the positive futuristic impact the park has in the region and Uganda at large.

“The general mood is very positive, the park has provided an alternative to underemployment and given our youth real opportunities to work, learn, and earn,” Mayor Namugali said.

With ongoing expansion of factories and training programs, the Mbale Industrial and Business Park stands as a pivotal engine of Uganda’s industrial ambitions and economic transformation.