Mbale, Uganda – The State Minister for Privatization and Investment, Hon. Hajat Amina Mukalazi, together with the Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Mr. Robert Mukiza, conducted a comprehensive tour of the Sino Mbale Industrial Park . The high-profile visit highlighted the park’s significant contribution to employment while bringing to light critical infrastructure and safety challenges facing investors.
The park, which hosts approximately 90 factories with 72 currently operational, is a major employment hub, providing jobs for around 15,000 people. During her tour, the Minister visited several facilities including Lida Jeans Factory, U Steel Factory, U Home Factory, and a paper mill.
A key highlight of the visit was the Minister’s interaction with the youth workforce. She praised their dedication, emphasizing their vital role in the park's success.
"You are the backbone of the industrial park. Providing your time and labour is very important, because without you, less will be achieved," Hon. Mukalazi told the workers, thanking them for their hard work.
However, behind the scenes in the boardroom, the directors of the Tian Tang Group—the park's developers—presented a list of pressing concerns requiring urgent government intervention.
Luke Wang, a director of Tian Tang, highlighted a dire safety issue along the main Tirinyi road. He revealed that accidents involving over-speeding vehicles have claimed the lives of 20 local workers and 1 Chinese employee. The investors have requested the installation of speed humps around the park to mitigate the risk. The Minister acknowledged the urgency, noting that the Ministry of Works would soon receive funding to commence the work. "Yes, there is a need for the humps to be worked upon soon," she stated.
Mr. Wang also raised concerns regarding the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which he said is blocking the expansion of the park over claims that new construction is encroaching on a wetland. Mr. Wang insisted that the group had already purchased the land and is ready to begin construction, appealing for government assistance to resolve the impasse.
The investors reminded the government of a promise made after the devastating fire outbreaks of 2022, which destroyed several factories. They noted that despite pledges to station fire-fighting equipment at the park, not a single fire truck has been deployed to date. The Minister responded that the government has procured the equipment and that the Sino Mbale park is set to receive a unit soon.
 
On the issue of utilities, Owen Jin, the Deputy Manager of Tian Tang, complained that the power supply to the 72 factories is insufficient and prone to daily fluctuations, which frequently damage machinery. UIA Director General Robert Mukiza assured the investors that the government is committed to resolving the energy deficit. He confirmed that sufficient power will soon be available and announced that by October, works to enlarge the water drainage system to prevent floods—which previously destroyed property—will be complete, alongside improvements to the internal roads.
Hon. Mukalazi also addressed security concerns, promising an increased security presence to ensure the safety of all workers. She assured the investors of the government’s full support and delivered a message of encouragement from the highest office.
"President Museveni is so much concerned about the Mbale Sino Park. He feels it is one of the most successful parks in Uganda and is employing a number of youth. That is why during his campaigns, he would show the whole country the beautiful works of Mbale Sino Park," the Minister concluded, thanking the investors for their contribution to Uganda’s industrialization
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