The Sino Uganda Industrial Park under the Tian Tang Group in Mbale has appealed to the government to address the growing challenges that threaten one of Uganda’s biggest industrial success stories. Investors warned that persistent power outages, deadly road accidents, security concerns, and environmental bottlenecks are putting lives, jobs, and billions of shillings in investments at risk.
The concerns were raised during a high-level meeting attended by the Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, Hon. Hajjat Amina Mukalazi, the Minister of State for Public Service, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, officials from the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), investors, and community leaders.
Managed by the Tian Tang Group, Sino Uganda Industrial Park has become a beacon of Uganda’s industrial transformation. The park hosts 90 companies, 72 of which are operational, and employs more than 14,000 Ugandans, making it one of the largest employment hubs in Eastern Uganda.
However, investors say the park’s continued growth depends on urgent solutions to critical challenges.
Speaking on behalf of investors, Mr. Luke Wang, Director of Tian Tang Group, expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents occurring near the industrial park’s main entrance.
According to Wang, he says people have lost their lives, including a Chinese investor, while many others have sustained serious injuries.
“We have invested heavily in Uganda and created thousands of jobs, but we are deeply concerned about the safety of our workers and investors. Immediate road safety measures are needed before more lives are lost,” Wang said.
The Director also raised concerns regarding environmental compliance, factory certification, wetland protection, and the need for land to manage non-recyclable industrial waste. He called upon NEMA and other government agencies to provide clear guidance that safeguards both industrial growth and environmental protection.
Security concerns were also brought to the forefront, with management requesting enhanced protection for more than 200 Chinese investors and workers, particularly during night operations.
Adding to the concerns, Laurent Zhang, the Industrial Park Administrator, called for the deployment of traffic police officers during peak hours between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., when thousands of workers travel to and from the industrial park.
He revealed that more than 20 accident-related cases have been recorded over the years, affecting workers and investors alike.
“The issue was reported to the Ministry of Works, but no action has been taken yet. Workers continue to risk their lives every day while crossing and accessing the industrial park,” Zhang said.
On the issue of electricity, Owen Jin, Deputy Managing Director of Tian Tang Group, described unstable power supply as one of the greatest threats to industrial productivity.
He revealed that repeated power outages and low voltage have disrupted operations, damaged machinery, and caused substantial financial losses.
According to Jin, UNISTEEL, one of the major manufacturers in the park, reportedly lost approximately USD 108,000 in a single day due to power interruptions.
He urged government to expedite the implementation of the approved 50-megawatt substation and the planned 240-megawatt permanent power station, saying reliable electricity is essential for industrial competitiveness and economic growth.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. Hajjat Amina Mukalazi praised Sino Uganda Industrial Park for its outstanding contribution to employment creation and regional economic development.
She assured investors that government remains committed to creating a favorable business environment and revealed that the Ministry of Finance has already allocated funds to the Ministry of Works to address road infrastructure challenges affecting the industrial park.
On wetland and environmental concerns, the minister reiterated government’s guidance that existing investments should continue operating while ensuring there is no further encroachment on protected wetlands.
She pledged to engage NEMA and relevant ministries to provide guidance on certification and environmental compliance issues.
Hon. Mukalazi further committed government support towards strengthening security, improving firefighting systems, addressing waste management challenges, and resolving electricity supply interruptions affecting industries.
“Government appreciates the role this industrial park plays in creating jobs and transforming lives. We shall continue working closely with investors to ensure these challenges are addressed,” she said.
The Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority, Robert Mukiza, reaffirmed government support for the industrial park, noting that major infrastructure investments are already underway.
Mukiza revealed that government has released funds for road improvements and the widening of River Nashibiso to improve accessibility and support industrial growth.
He added that procurement processes are progressing and implementation is expected to begin soon.
Meanwhile, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende applauded the industrial park for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, particularly the construction of a community market that has improved livelihoods for local residents.
She called for improved sanitation facilities, storage spaces, and welfare infrastructure, especially for women workers who make up a significant portion of the workforce.
She also proposed the development of affordable housing units near industrial parks, saying organized settlements would improve security, discipline, worker welfare, and productivity.
She further advocated for the establishment of health facilities, schools, and sports centres to support workers and their families.
The minister encouraged stronger collaboration between the industrial park and neighboring communities to improve sanitation, modernize local economic activities, and strengthen environmental conservation efforts.
She also challenged investors to explore technologies that convert industrial waste into renewable energy, turning waste management into an economic opportunity.
During the visit, the ministers toured several major industries operating within the park, including United Steel, Tian’ao, Meihua Nice, Xinlong Textile, the Paper Mill, Lida Jeans Factory, Elgon Steel Construction Site, Uhome, and other manufacturing facilities.
The delegation commended the park for its commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that the Paper Mill and Lida Jeans Factory have invested in modern wastewater treatment systems, reinforcing the park’s ambition to become a benchmark ESG-compliant industrial hub.
As the meeting concluded, both government leaders and investors reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address infrastructure, energy, environmental, and safety challenges that affect industrial growth.
