At the 3rd Annual Regional Industrialisation Conference (RIC 2026), held on 18th-19th August 2026 at Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme “Unlocking Industrial Competitiveness through Innovation and Regional Value Chain Integration,” the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, delivered a message on behalf of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The President of Uganda, H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for deeper government-private sector partnerships to accelerate industrialisation, deepen East African Community (EAC) integration, and drive sustainable economic transformation.
The 3rd Annual Regional Industrialisation Conference, organised by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, AGRA, Uganda Investment Authority and regional partners, brought together policymakers, industrialists, financiers and private-sector leaders.
Discussions focused on practical steps to boost manufacturing, agro-processing, job creation and intra-regional trade while reducing vulnerability to external shocks.
Hon. Musasizi emphasised that industrialisation sits at the heart of structural transformation. Uganda’s strategy prioritises industrial parks as key platforms.
The Kampala Industrial and Business Park at Namanve, approximately 1,000 hectares, continues to attract investment in manufacturing, logistics, food processing and agro-processing, positioning it as a production hub for domestic and African markets.
The Sino-Uganda Bio-Industrial Park, about 619 acres, already hosts around 75 factories employing more than 12,000 people.
Priority sectors highlighted include agro-processing, leather, textiles, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, steel, construction materials and logistics.
Stakeholders were urged to treat East Africa as a shared market of more than 400 million consumers and to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with its 1.4 billion-person market.
Commitments were reaffirmed on removing non-tariff barriers, operationalising one-stop border posts and expanding regional connectivity.
Private Sector Foundation Uganda Board Chairman Humfrey Nzeyi noted that manufacturing contributes roughly 9.7%–11.8% of regional GDP, below the EAC target of 25% by 2032, while in Uganda it accounts for more than 16.5% of GDP and supports approximately two million direct jobs.
Key constraints identified included power, infrastructure, irrigation, regional connectivity and non-tariff barriers.
Why This Matters for Responsible Tourism in Uganda
Economic transformation through industrialisation and stronger regional value chains creates enabling conditions that benefit responsible tourism.
Improved infrastructure, logistics and energy reliability support smoother travel across parks and communities.
Agro-processing and food-value addition enhance local supply chains that hotels, lodges and restaurants can source from, reducing imports and increasing community incomes.
Job creation in industrial zones and related services strengthens local economies that host visitors, while regional integration eases cross-border travel within East Africa.
Responsible tourism thrives when communities benefit equitably, natural resources are valued beyond extraction, and development is planned with long-term sustainability in mind.
Industrial parks designed to serve both domestic and African markets, combined with policy focus on innovation and value chains, can help Uganda move away from raw commodity exports toward higher-value activities that complement conservation-based tourism experiences such as gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and cultural immersion.
As Uganda pursues its ambition of a US$500 billion economy, genuine public-private partnerships will be essential.
When industrial growth is aligned with environmental standards, skills development and inclusive opportunities, it reinforces the foundation for high-quality, low-impact tourism that travellers increasingly seek.
About Kampala City
Kampala City, the capital of Uganda, is a vibrant tourism destination known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, bustling markets and lively urban atmosphere.
Visitors can explore attractions such as the Uganda National Mosque, Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Palace, the Uganda Museum and the Bahá’í Temple.
Kampala City also offers authentic Ugandan cuisine, traditional music and dance, local craft markets, art galleries and exciting nightlife.
With its welcoming communities, diverse cultural experiences and convenient access to Entebbe, Lake Victoria and other destinations across Uganda, Kampala City is an excellent starting point for travellers seeking to discover the country’s history, culture and everyday life.
The following are some of the tours we offer within Kampala City;
- Kampala Scenic Flight Tour by Kampala Executive Aviation
- 2 Day Kampala City Tour, Uganda
- Kampala Scenic Flight Tour
- Kampala City Tour, Uganda
For accommodation within, click here for more information.
Ready to Experience Uganda?
Experience Uganda’s natural and cultural wealth through thoughtfully designed journeys that support local communities and conservation.
At Responsible Tourism Company we specialise in tailor-made Uganda safari packages, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and authentic cultural experiences that prioritise sustainability and positive impact.
Contact us today to plan your next responsible adventure:
Call/WhatsApp: +256 704 023 485
Visit www.responsibletourismcompany.com
Email: info@responsibletourismcompany.com
Book your Uganda safari with operators who believe economic progress and responsible tourism can grow together.