Nakaseke Leaders Clash Over Industrial Park's Progress and Impact
Local leaders in Nakaseke District accuse opposition politicians of hindering the Namakenkera Industrial Park’s progress.
Nakaseke, Uganda – Local leaders in Nakaseke District have raised concerns about a section of opposition politicians who they accuse of frustrating the progress of the Namakenkera Industrial Park, claiming it has not benefited the community as intended.
The Namakenkera Industrial Park is one of Uganda’s major industrial centres, ranked alongside hubs like Namanve and Mbale. Its location in a historically significant area—formerly a war zone in Luweero and a barracks after the NRM liberation war—underscores its purpose: to address unemployment in surrounding communities, including Semuto, Masuulira, Mawale, and Kikuba Mpanga.
However, Florence Namayanja, the NRM Deputy Secretary General and a native of Nakaseke, insists that the park’s potential has been unfairly undermined by self-serving politicians. She openly criticised Hon. Semakula Lumaguzi, accusing him of spreading misinformation and hatred about the factory’s impact on the area.
Located 42 kilometres from Kampala, the industrial park has also faced infrastructural challenges, particularly due to ongoing rehabilitation work along the Semuto-Kapeeka road. Namayanja acknowledged these issues but emphasised that once completed, the road rehabilitation will significantly improve transportation and access to the park.
Another major setback has been the limited electricity supply, which even temporarily affected operations at the Huawei Shoe Factory during a recent exhibition. Namayanja confirmed that efforts are underway to resolve this issue in collaboration with the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
Despite these challenges, Namayanja reiterated the park’s core mission: to tackle unemployment in the region by creating job opportunities for local residents. She also highlighted the historical significance of the park, noting its role in revitalising an area once affected by conflict and its symbolic importance in the post-liberation war recovery.
