Uganda invites foreign manufacturing investment, allows 100% foreign ownership and zero import duty on raw materials

Since Uganda has iron ore and cotton, businesses can set up steel plants and spinning mills; it permits 100% ownership of projects by overseas companies and offers 0% duty on import of raw materials not available in Uganda, says High Commissioner of Uganda to India

Published - July 17, 2026 12:51 am IST — COIMBATORE

By The Hindu Bureau

Uganda is encouraging the export of processed raw materials and wants other countries to set up manufacturing facilities in the country, said its High Commissioner to India, Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikanfunda, in Coimbatore city on Thursday (July 16).

Speaking at the United Economic Summit organised by the Indian Economic Trade Organisation, she noted that Uganda produces a significant quantity of cotton and is rich in minerals. The country will also become an oil and gas producer starting this month.

Currently, Uganda exports agricultural produce, gold, and raw materials to India, while importing textile products, machinery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and iron and steel.

Investment Opportunities

• Iron and steel plants — Uganda has iron ore reserves
• Cotton spinning mills — Uganda is a major cotton producer
• Fruit processing — including avocados for export to India
• Coffee processing — Uganda is the eighth largest coffee producer globally and the largest coffee exporter in Africa
• Cocoa processing — Uganda also grows cocoa

Key Incentives for Investors

• 100% ownership of projects permitted for overseas companies
• 0% duty on import of raw materials not available in Uganda
• Focus on encouraging export of value-added raw materials

Additional News

The Indian Economic Trade Organisation announced in a press release that Renjith C.A. has been appointed as the Trade Commissioner of the India GCC Trade Council for the Sultanate of Oman. This appointment is expected to support the expansion of economic ties between Tamil Nadu and Oman.