Italian entrepreneurs offered investment opportunities in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A group of 11 Italian investors from different sectors are in Uganda to seek for investment opportunities in relation to their fields of business.

Nicola Schiavitta, the head of the Italian delegation of investors expressed their intentions to the prime minister, minister of works, ministry of foreign affairs, and also representatives from the ministry of energy.

These Italian entrepreneurs, are also experts in various fields like civil engineering, agriculture, veterinary, logistics and transport, fashion and design, law, oil and gas.

The delegation includes Prof Michele Schiavitto, a veterinary surgeon of the National Association of Italian Rabbit Farmers, Eng. Michele Piacquadio, a civil engineer and an expert in renewable energy, Dr. Pasquale Mastrangelo, a pharmacist.

Other are Dr. Massimo Calabria, an agriculturalist, Vincenzo Morelli, Raffaele Barbaro, a fashion designer, Nichola Schiavitto, a lawyer, Gianni Campanella, Pietro Valentino and Andrea Testella.

The delegation is in Uganda on a 5-day exploration visit of investment opportunities in the country. In this, they have carried out a number of activities including meeting key players in different sectors in Uganda.

While speaking to the delegation, the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said Uganda is the best destination for investment because it is well endowed with the best climate and the accommodative natures of its people.

Nabbanja said that Uganda is ready for investment with all necessary infrastructures in place as well as the required labour force, while the government technical staff are on hand to guide these investors to make the best investment decision.

Nicola Schiavitta said that they will form a joint company through which they will invest USD20 million for a start, focusing on renewable energy, selling agricultural machinery, as well as human and veterinary medicine.

Okello Oryem, the Foreign affairs minister assured the delegation that government is ready to give them free land for their operations and a number of other incentives to ensure their comfortable stay in Uganda.

Pauline Irene Batebethe, permanent secretary ministry of energy and mineral development showed the delegation the numerous investment opportunities under her ministry and welcomed them to invest in that line as well.

The two countries have enjoyed good bilateral relations since colonial times, with Italians establishing church mission schools and hospitals like St Joseph’s hospital in Kitgum, founded in 1915.

The delegation also pledged to train Ugandans in improved agricultural processing methods, modern veterinary practices as well as up-to-date pharmaceutical practices.

The delegation travelled upcountry for further exploration, meeting with local investors, farmers groups, visit on refuge settlement camps, one rabbit project and one stone quarry.

*****

URN