In a bold move to ensure environmental sustainability, Uganda's Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA) has taken a proactive step to educate and guide Free Zone developers and operators on environmental compliance. This initiative comes at a time when there are concerns about the challenges faced by developers in navigating the country's online environmental licensing system.
The specialized training, held in Kampala, brought together key stakeholders, including senior officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), to address these concerns and promote sustainable industrial practices within Free Zones.
However, here's where it gets controversial: despite the implementation of NEMA's online Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) licensing portal, some developers have expressed difficulties in tracking the progress of their applications. Stephen Mutyaba, representing Mahathi Infra Uganda Ltd., shared his experience, stating, "We applied online, but the portal only shows our application as active, with no clear status updates. Our lakeshore permit application has been pending on the ED's desk for three months now."
In response, Rebecca Nalumu, Senior Manager for Special Economic Zones Operations and Compliance at UFZEPA, emphasized the authority's commitment to upholding national environmental regulations and international best practices. She highlighted that environmental compliance is not just a legal obligation but a strategic move to create competitive and sustainable Free Zones, attracting quality investments and supporting Uganda's export-led growth agenda.
Representing NEMA, Anita Ainomugisha, a Senior Environment Compliance Officer, provided an in-depth overview of the environmental regulatory framework and the requirements for obtaining an ESIA certificate. She stressed the importance of proactive environmental management and compliance monitoring, ensuring adherence to established standards.
The training also delved into the responsibilities of participants under the Free Zones (Amendment) Act, 2024, and showcased best practices for mitigating environmental risks and promoting sustainability. UFZEPA emphasized the significance of strong collaboration between the authority, NEMA, and the private sector in fostering a resilient and export-driven economy.
As of June 2025, Uganda has licensed a total of 43 private Free Zones, reflecting growing investor confidence. Six firms were licensed in the 2023/24 financial year, including Image Coffee Ltd., GOCTA Workwear (U) Ltd., Yako (U) Ltd., Kasanda Sugar (U) Ltd., Inspire Africa Establishments Ltd., and Master Grain Milling (U) Limited.
This initiative by UFZEPA is a crucial step towards ensuring that Uganda's Free Zones operate within a sustainable and environmentally conscious framework. It remains to be seen how these efforts will shape the country's economic landscape and attract further investment. What are your thoughts on this environmental compliance training? Do you think it will effectively address the challenges faced by developers, or is there more that needs to be done? Share your insights in the comments below!
