The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has commended the directors of Avani Global Agri and Avani Smarts Farm for expanding their investment in Uganda, describing their commitment as a significant contribution to the country’s industrialisation, value addition and economic transformation.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the company at SHIPU offices in Kampala today, Col. Nakalema said the investors were not only establishing businesses but also nurturing local talent and helping redefine Uganda’s economic future.
“Your trust is our highest currency as an investment destination. In turn, we dedicate ourselves to protecting your assets and your operations. At SHIPU, you have a dedicated shield and strategic partner,” she said.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority.
On behalf of the Government of Uganda, Col. Nakalema thanked the investors for choosing Uganda as the location for their regional operations through an initial investment of US$5 million, describing the move as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s investment climate.
She noted that the company’s investment in agro-processing aligns with the government’s strategy of shifting from exporting raw agricultural produce to manufacturing high-value products for international markets.
The project, located in Nwoya District, currently comprises more than 700 acres under turmeric and rosemary cultivation, with the crops destined for wellness, food and medicinal products after value addition.
“Agriculture has long been the heartbeat of Uganda. However, primary production is only one chapter of our agricultural story. Our national focus is now on industrial value addition, and your investment fits perfectly within that vision,” Col. Nakalema said.
She also welcomed the company’s plans to invest in electric mobility, noting that cleaner transport solutions would reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving environmental sustainability and public health.
Reaffirming SHIPU’s mandate, Col. Nakalema said the Unit remains committed to protecting investors by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and ensuring seamless coordination across government institutions.
“Our mandate is anchored on zero tolerance for bureaucracy and effective coordination. That is why SHIPU exists—to ensure investors can operate with confidence,” she said.
Avani Smarts Farm Director, Dr. Siva Mahesh said the company aims to position Uganda as a global hub for life sciences molecule extraction from agricultural products.
He revealed that turmeric and rosemary are already being cultivated on more than 700 acres in Northern Uganda, with plans to expand production to 5,000 acres before scaling up to between 10,000 and 30,000 acres through partnerships with outgrower farmers.
“We want Uganda to become the life sciences molecule extraction hub for the world, not just Africa,” Dr. Mahesh said, adding that the company plans to establish a world-class extraction facility in Kampala to process agricultural raw materials from Uganda and neighbouring countries.
He also unveiled plans to accelerate Uganda’s transition to electric mobility by converting existing motorcycles into electric bikes.
“Our goal is to make EV conversion affordable. Riders should not have to buy a new motorcycle to embrace electric mobility,” he said.
The Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Winstone Katushabe, said electric mobility has become a national priority under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He noted that Uganda is laying the foundation for the transition through local electric vehicle manufacturing by Kiira Motors, expansion of charging infrastructure and growing private sector investment in electric motorcycles and battery-swapping networks.
“We need more investment, public awareness and financing to accelerate the transition. The government will continue putting in place policies and regulations that support the private sector and make electric mobility a success in Uganda,” Mr. Katushabe said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Aacha Mary Orikiriza, Undersecretary at MAAIF, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting investment in high-value crops such as turmeric and rosemary.
She said investors would benefit from government support in agricultural research, innovation, climate-smart technologies, irrigation, mechanisation and extension services.
Ms. Orikiriza welcomed the company’s 700-acre project in Nwoya District and encouraged the adoption of an outgrower model to integrate local farmers into commercial production, create rural employment and expand Uganda’s export capacity.
She added that the ministry would work with relevant government agencies to facilitate licensing, tax incentives, export clearance and other regulatory requirements, creating an enabling environment for investment and value addition.
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