By Juma Nsubuga
A delegation of over 80 Italian investors are in Uganda to explore business opportunities.
The delegation has engaged with the Prime Minister of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja and her junior Minister’s including Dr Chrispas Kiyonga, Justine Nameere, Amos Lugoloobi, Beatrice Anywar among others in a high level strategic dialogue at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.
During the meeting, Nabbanja urged Italian investors to invest in Uganda’s Agro -industrialization especially in Agricultural mechanization.
“We have a challenge of technology here in Uganda especially in Agricultural sector. Our farmers especially the small scale farmers still use local technology which doesn’t yield commercial results for them. I therefore urge the Italian government to explore modern technology in Uganda especially in Agricultural sector ” Nabbanja said.
She said that the purpose of today’s engagement was to agree on what should be done together between the government of Uganda and the government of Italy and in which institutions they maybe interested in investing.
The dialogue has zeroed on areas of development priorities which include value addition to Uganda coffee, green cities, health and regional cooperation among others.
“Am pleased that the green cities project has received a positive technical assessment from the Italian government. Confirming it’s readness to proceed to the next stage of consideration under the Italian climate fund” she added
On health cooperation and access to health services, Nabbanja urged Italian investors to prioritize investing in Uganda health sector.
“The prevention, research and integrated services for maternal, child and cancer health care program funded by Italian government offers an opportunity to strengthen health services. So I urge the Italian government to provide more funds in Uganda health sector ” she said.
Nabbanja who represents Kakumiro district in Parliament also appealed to Italians for more investments in local manufacturer of essential medicine’s, medical supply and other health products.
About energy sector, Nabbanja said that “We also need investments in generation, transmission and distribution, renewable energy, clean cooking and industrial energy efficiency “
She further appealed to European Union to reconsider their restrictive regulations that bans coffee growing countries like Uganda from supplying the European Market if it is proved that it was grown from a deforested area.
Relatedly Nabbanja’s junior Dr Crispus Kiyonga thanked his boss (Nabbanja) for this Nobel duty of inviting the Italians to visit Uganda and have practical experience of a coffee growing country the best in Africa as per the recent rankings.
The Director General of the Italian Development Cooperation Stefano Gatti said Italy is committed to supporting Uganda to achieve its development Agenda.
The delegation of Italian investors will tomorrow meet President Museveni at State House Entebbe to discuss more business opportunities.
