Kisoro Industrial Park: 620 acre Land to Launch Region into D.R.C- Rwanda Markets.

Kisoro Industrial Park: 620 acre Land to Launch Region into D.R.C Rwanda Markets.

 A total of 620 acres of land located in Kibaaya, Rukundo town Council, Kisoro district has been given to the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) with the sole purpose of setting up Kigezi region’s first ever industrial park.

The land that extends from Rukundo town council in Bufumbira North and Bunagana town council in Bufumbira South also borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During the official handover ceremony, the State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives David Bahati said Kisoro district has shown willingness to support Industrialization which is a vital strategy for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government.

“Kisoro district has always shown its support for the Government when it comes to the vote and now, the people of Kisoro have shown commitment to development and creation of jobs for the region”, Bahati said.

Minister Bahati, who accompanied the State Minister of Privatization and Investment Evelyn Anite, State Minister for Local Government Victoria Busingye Rusoke and Uganda Investment Authority executive director Robert Mukiza are on a countrywide tour to identify land suitable for Industrial parks as per the President Yoweri Museveni’s directive.

Minister David Bahati addresses the congregation witnessing kibaaya land handover to UIA

State Minister for Privatization and Investment Evelyn Anite said Kisoro district is the only district in the entire Kigezi Sub region to provide land that meets all the requirements.

Hon.Anite commended Kisoro district’s contribution of 620 acres because it is the only district in the country to give Government land which is not in a wetland, not encumbered and free of political interference.

“Government’s biggest concern was how the Industrial park was going to connect with the D.R.C markets however Road construction by DOTT services has commenced which means Kisoro and the rest of Uganda will be open for business”, said Anite

Uganda – DRC Trade Relations:

The border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at Bunagana has always provided opportunity for trade relations.

Before Covid-19, Ugandans and Congolese alike from nearby towns engaged in small scale trade, mainly dealing in Agricultural products and household items.

The border also experiences busy days with trucks from Uganda heading to eastern DRC carrying Beverages, Alcohol, Construction materials and other processed items which are highly demanded in the vast mineral rich country.

The biggest challenge for improved trade relations include poor road networks and insecurity.

Uganda Investment Authority executive director Robert Mukiza said the strategic location of the land will allow the Industrial Park to supply both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwandan Borders to Uganda remain closed indefinitely despite several diplomatic talks that ended in a stalemate.

Mukiza noted that the industrial park will border Nkanka water in Nyarubuye Sub County, a fresh water source that is currently supplying Kisoro district’s water needs and will now also boast operations at the Industrial Park.

“On my part, I pledge to do what is needed to push the industrialization agenda for Kisoro and the entire country. My humble appeal to the district leadership is to ensure we maintain unity and no conflict arises on this land”, Mukiza emphasized.

Political Leaders speak out.

Kisoro district LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana said Kisoro district is now open for business. He noted that Government should do whatever it takes to ensure the Industrial park is up and running as soon as possible because the regional markets from neighboring DRC and Rwanda have a lot of economic value to Ugandans.

The Bufumbira South Member of Parliament Hon. Alex Niyonsaba said Industrialization is the right way to go because most of the land in Kisoro is heavily fragmented due to over population.

“We cannot keep looking to cultivation only but introduce our young and vibrant population to industrialization which has potential to positively change lives”, said Niyonsaba

Bufumbira North Member of Parliament Hon. John Kamala said Government has never lost sight of what is important for the people of Kisoro adding that more development projects should be welcomed by the people of Kisoro.

Meanwhile, the Kisoro district deputy RDC Ndikumwami Dan says that nation should not worry about the security of the area because the country can keep peace and stability on its land to ensure development goes on smoothly