Uganda licenses 3 flower firms to develop free zones

Minister Evelyn Anite ( 2R) posing in group photo with CEOs of the Flower Firms after the government handed over licenses to them to operate free zones. On her Extreme left is Stanley Musiime of Ugarose flower Limited, Daniel Kiryowa of Jambo rose Ltd. Right is Olav Boenders the Managing Director of Wagagai Ltd.

KAMPALA-UGANDA –The Uganda Free Zones Authority has issued 3 developer’s licenses to Wagagai Ltd,  Jambo  Roses Ltd and Ugarose flower  to operate as free zone.
“The flower sector  is one of the sectors that has potential to create thousands of ...
jobs to our citizens.
“As government we’re  committed to support  investors who  invest in the flower sector because Uganda has got a favorable environment for Foreign Direct Investments,” said Evelyn Anite, Uganda’s State Minister for Investment.
Anite observed that FDIs are contributing much towards the country’s economic development.
“On annual basis, the FDIs are contributing $916m but majority of them are in manufacturing and services sector yet there are other sectors where they can do better such as the flower sector,” said Anite.
Anite, who handed over the License to the developers, said the Government is committed to support investors in the flower sector as it does to manufacturers.
The main activities that will take place in the free zones  will be growing  and exporting  flower cuttings for both Wagagai Ltd and  Jambo Rose.
 Ugarose  Flower Ltd will focus  on growing, packaging  and exporting  of fresh cut rose  flowers.
The Minister assured investors that the cost of doing business in the flower sector will come down soon when the two power dams of Karuma and Ishimba come on board.
Richard Jabo the Executive Director of UFZA said some companies that they have granted  Free Zones  have set up  health facilities  and schools  as part of their corporate  Social  Responsibility  thus bringing  services  closer to the people.
UFZA has issued  to over five companies Licenses to develop Free Zone  in Uganda.  Some of the companies which were granted licenses to develop Free Zone s include  Arua SEZ,  Nilus  Limited in Jinja , Uganda Wood Impex  Ltd located in Kalungu  district  and three more flower companies  namely  Royal  Van  Zanten, Fiduga  Limited among other companies .

By SAMUEL NABWIISO