President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended an invitation to European investors to explore Uganda’s growing market, highlighting the country’s vast potential in agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at Irenga Country Home in Ntungamo District, President Museveni expressed concern over Europe’s dwindling investment footprint in Africa.
He noted that this decline is in stark contrast to the rising influence of Chinese investors, prompting him to ask, “What happened to our relatives, the Europeans? Why don’t they come and invest?”
President Museveni emphasized Africa’s projected population growth of 2.5 billion in the next 30 years as a lucrative market opportunity.
He praised European ventures already established in Uganda, including liquid coffee production, avocado exports, and medical waste solutions.
President Museveni pledged government support to bolster these investments, demonstrating Uganda’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment.
The President also unveiled a strategic plan to restore degraded wetlands by relocating farmers to the peripheries for sustainable fish farming.
However, he criticized swamp rice cultivation for harming the Nile River’s tributaries, emphasizing the need for environmentally sustainable practices.
Nico Van Vliet, representing the Uganda Flowers Exporters Association, welcomed President Museveni’s call for stronger economic ties.
“We see great potential for growth, not only in the European Union but also in regional markets like Kenya and Ethiopia. We are committed to contributing more to Uganda’s economy,” Van Vliet noted.
Eric de Waan, from Yalelo Uganda, highlighted the vast potential in aquaculture, stating, “Uganda has the best conditions for fish farming, especially in Lake Victoria. We aim to invest $5 million annually to expand operations.”
President Museveni reiterated his commitment to fostering foreign investments that contribute to Uganda’s economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability.
