Uganda Investment Authority’s ED, Robert Mukiza
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I President Yoweri Museveni has reappointed Robert Mukiza as director general of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) for a second five-year term, citing his track record in revitalising the agency and boosting investor confidence.
The decision, communicated in a letter dated March 16, 2026 from State House and addressed to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, comes despite concerns previously raised by some Members of Parliament over the authority’s performance and management.
According to the letter, the President based his decision on several recommendations supporting Mukiza’s continued leadership, as well as his contribution to strengthening Uganda’s investment climate.
“Since Mukiza has done well in re-invigorating the performance of UIA, I support his re-appointment for another term,” Museveni stated.
Performance and stability cited
The President credited Mukiza with bringing stability and “new energy” to the investment promotion agency since his appointment in June 2021. During his tenure, UIA has played a central role in coordinating investment promotion, industrialisation and private sector growth—key pillars in Uganda’s economic strategy.
Museveni noted that a stable and effective UIA is critical to attracting both domestic and foreign investors, particularly as Uganda seeks to accelerate industrial development.
Mukiza’s leadership has also been recognised internationally and locally. On September 6, 2024, he received the Excellence in Investment Promotion Award at the seventh edition of the Consumer Choice Awards held in Kampala, highlighting his contribution to facilitating investment inflows.
Industrialisation drive
A key factor behind the reappointment is Mukiza’s role in advancing Uganda’s industrialisation agenda through the development of industrial and business parks.
Museveni tasked UIA under Mukiza’s leadership to prioritise the development and operationalisation of these parks across the country, in partnership with both government and private sector players.
The President emphasised that industrial parks are essential for promoting value addition, boosting manufacturing and creating jobs—objectives that remain central to Uganda’s long-term economic transformation.
UIA has already made progress in this area, with at least 10 industrial parks currently operational. Among the most notable are the Kampala Industrial and Business Park in Namanve, the Liao Shen Kapeeka Industrial Park, and the Mbale Industrial Park. These facilities offer incentives such as 10-year tax holidays to attract investors.
In addition, Uganda is developing more than 20 industrial and business parks nationwide, positioning them as hubs for manufacturing and export growth.
Ambitious economic targets
Museveni’s decision also reflects confidence in Mukiza’s ability to help steer Uganda towards its ambitious economic goals. The country aims to expand its economy from approximately $40 billion to $500 billion within the next decade—a tenfold increase driven by industrialisation, export growth and oil revenues.
The strategy includes modernising agriculture, expanding manufacturing, promoting regional trade and harnessing mineral resources. Achieving these targets will require strong institutional leadership, particularly at agencies like UIA that are responsible for mobilising and facilitating investment.
The President underscored the importance of strategic land acquisition for industrial use, a function that UIA has been actively undertaking under Mukiza’s leadership.
Experience and expertise
Mukiza’s extensive background in international development and investment is also seen as a key factor in his reappointment.
Before joining UIA, he served as deputy director at the Global Green Growth Institute and represented the organisation to Ethiopia, the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. He has also held senior roles as a director at Acadia Energy in Hong Kong, head of the United Nations country team coordination unit in Botswana, and lead economist for the United Nations in the Maldives.
His academic credentials include a master’s degree in international finance and economic development from the University of Kent, a bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics from Makerere University, and training in strategic leadership from Oxford University’s business school.
Scrutiny and continuity
While some legislators have previously questioned aspects of UIA’s performance, the President’s decision signals a preference for continuity at a time when Uganda is intensifying efforts to attract investment and expand its industrial base.
Analysts say the reappointment reflects a broader government strategy to maintain momentum in key economic institutions rather than risk disruption through leadership changes.
With the renewed mandate, Mukiza is expected to consolidate gains made during his first term while addressing outstanding concerns raised by policymakers and stakeholders.
As Uganda pushes towards middle-income status and beyond, the effectiveness of agencies like UIA will remain under close scrutiny, with Mukiza now entrusted to deliver results over the next five years.
