Vice President Alupo Launches Greater Luwero Investment Forum
Uganda’s Vice President, Jessica Alupo, launched the Greater Luwero Investment Forum (GLIF). This platform will focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the Luwero region. The forum, which started in March 2025, is a non-governmental and non-profit organization. It aims to drive growth in Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola districts.
Alupo urged Ugandans to invest in four key sectors: commercial agriculture, industry, services, and information and communication technology (ICT). She emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and moving away from subsistence farming.
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Commercial Agriculture and Value Addition
Alupo emphasized the need to shift from food-only production to market-oriented farming. She highlighted President Museveni’s Four-Acre Model, which focuses on growing high-value crops like coffee, fruits, and vegetables.
In industry, Alupo encouraged people to process raw materials. For example, turning maize into flour or animal feed creates more jobs than primary production alone. She also discussed the services sector, including hotels, transport, retail, and professional services, as key income and employment sources.
Promoting Digital Innovation and ICT Growth
Alupo urged young Ugandans to take advantage of digital opportunities in business process outsourcing, online auditing, and remote professional work. She stressed that ICT can provide global opportunities.
The Greater Luwero region now hosts over 500 factories and industries. Alupo urged local youth to take advantage of these employment opportunities. The government is also improving road networks and infrastructure to facilitate trade and reduce costs.
Government’s Commitment to Development
Alupo noted that when the NRM came to power in 1986, Uganda had just 80 factories. Now, Uganda has between 7,000 and 9,000 factories. She urged Luwero residents to support President Museveni in the upcoming elections to protect this progress.
The government is investing in transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, and air transport, to improve the movement of goods. Alupo also mentioned efforts to enhance human capital through education and vocational training to provide skilled labor for industries.
Lowering Credit Costs and Electricity Tariffs
Alupo announced that the government has reduced interest rates on funds aimed at wealth creation. She highlighted several programs, including the GROW Fund, Agriculture Credit Facility, and Small Scale Business Recovery Fund, with rates ranging from 6% to 10%.
Additionally, the government reduced electricity tariffs for factories from 13.8 US cents per kilowatt-hour to 8.6 cents, with a target of 5 cents.
Minimum Wage and Economic Stability
Alupo also revealed plans to introduce a minimum wage to protect workers, reduce poverty, and boost economic stability.
State Minister for Luwero Affairs, Alice Kaboyo, praised the region’s achievements and called for affirmative action to ensure local residents benefit from factory jobs.
NRM Deputy Secretary General, Rose Namayanja, urged residents to vote for President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers in the upcoming elections.
Investment Expo and Thanksgiving Mass
The launch event featured an investment expo, a thanksgiving mass, and a conference. Stakeholders discussed development strategies, investment opportunities, and corporate social responsibility. The event was organized by Herbert Ndiwalana, Personal Assistant to Salim Saleh, and the Born-Again fraternity, led by Bishop Gabriel Kijjambu.
Religious leaders praised President Museveni’s leadership, emphasizing peace and stability in Uganda.
The Greater Luwero Investment Forum aims to drive inclusive growth, job creation, and development in Uganda’s Luwero region, supporting investments and partnerships.
