Uganda’s status as a promising hub for international investors was once again affirmed on July 30, 2025, as Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), welcomed senior executives from Japanese automobile company Yoshino Motors during a visit aimed at exploring new investment opportunities in the country.
Yoshino Motors, a renowned Japanese car dealer specializing in importing, re-exporting, and trading high-quality vehicles, has operated in Uganda for 13 years, employing over 50 Ugandans and contributing to the local automotive landscape.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Shunsuke Nakanishi, and Uganda Managing Director, Abas Ali, held discussions with Col. Nakalema at the SHIPU offices in Kampala to discuss future prospects.
“We are happy and honored to receive the CEO of Yoshino, a reputable group of companies from Japan. Africa, and in particular Uganda, still holds immense potential for companies like yours to grow,” said Col. Nakalema, praising the company’s longstanding contribution to the Ugandan economy.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to protecting all legitimate investors, highlighting the importance of streamlined, modern systems in eliminating inefficiencies and corruption.
Central to this effort is the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, managed by SHIPU and hosted by the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), which connects investors directly with verified government services, bypassing fraudulent intermediaries.
“His Excellency the President guided that to eliminate wrong elements—the so-called middlemen—we use online services to reach authentic government MDAs. You will find Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, and Uganda Investment Authority all accessible in one place,” Nakalema explained.
She emphasized that Uganda’s investment facilitation framework ensures efficient access to all key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and has already served investors from countries like India and China.
She encouraged Nakanishi to not only deepen Yoshino’s involvement in the automotive sector but also explore diversification into other areas of Uganda’s economy.
Drawing attention to the legacy of Japanese and Indian business cultures, she commended the long-term perspective of family-owned businesses like Yoshino, whose foundation dates back to 1959.
“In Japan and India, the investments that were started by your grandfathers continue growing in their names through their children and grandchildren. It’s a great lesson to us that we must ensure our children continue adding value through what we’re doing today,” she remarked.
She assured Yoshino’s team that under President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership, the government remains committed to safeguarding every wealth creator and promoting value addition.
She also stressed that infrastructure development—including roads, power, and telecoms as a government priority aimed at supporting investors’ needs.
Nakanishi expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and acknowledged Uganda’s potential as an investment destination.
“Our company was established in 1959 by my grandfather. Thirteen years ago, we chose to invest in Uganda. From our view, Africa, and Uganda in particular, is a growing market with many features that make it attractive. We don’t hesitate to put more investment here,” he stated.
He welcomed Uganda’s digital systems supporting investment and confirmed Yoshino’s interest in expanding into local production, spare parts manufacturing, and partnerships with Ugandan businesses.
The meeting also featured Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), who proposed a collaboration with Yoshino to supply Ugandan wood for vehicle interiors.
“For some of your vehicles, we know wood is used for interiors. Uganda has the potential to provide that wood. You don’t even need to carry it abroad; you can manufacture the vehicles from here,” Maniraguha suggested.
He urged Yoshino Motors to stay committed to transitioning toward hybrid and energy-efficient vehicles.
“Climate change is a serious global issue. Reducing emissions is critical. We’re encouraged that you are working on hybrids, and we urge you to stay on that path,” he said, adding that the forestry sector would support Yoshino in pursuing sustainable industrial development.
Col. Nakalema noted that Uganda’s investment reputation is on the rise, referencing recent international recognition.
The Oxford School of Economics recently ranked Uganda as the third most attractive investment destination globally, and the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi has named Uganda the most rewarding and most stable economy in Africa for two consecutive years—2023 and 2024.
She summed up Uganda’s investment environment with the “three Ps”: Peaceful, Pleasant, and Profitable, assuring investors of the government’s unwavering support.
“We continue to give confidence to all our esteemed investors. The government has created an environment where you are protected, where infrastructure supports your needs, and where value addition is prioritized,” she said.
In closing, Col. Nakalema reaffirmed the government’s investor-friendly policy and expressed appreciation to the Japanese business leaders for their trust in Uganda.
“The protection of investors remains a top priority of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda. This office—the State House Investors Protection Unit—is open full time. You are always welcome,” she said.
Uganda continues to position itself as a reliable and forward-looking partner for credible investors seeking opportunities in Africa.
