EPZ Nasewa Nears Completion: Over 5,000 Jobs Expected as Project Launch Set for October
“the government intends to advertise the zone before the end of the month to attract investors, ensuring that the facility will have ready partners by its launch later this year”
The Export Processing Zone (EPZ) at Nasewa is now 50 percent complete and is slated to be operational by the end of October this year. This progress was confirmed by the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Mr. Abubakar Hassan, who remarked that construction at the site is advancing steadily.
During an inspection tour at the site, Mr. Hassan addressed local residents, emphasizing the significant impact the EPZ will have upon completion. “Once completed, the EPZ will attract investors who will provide job opportunities for over 5,000 people in Busia County,” he stated.
Mr. Hassan added, “We came to inspect the progress at EPZ Nasewa, and the work is going well. We have been assured by the contractor that by the end of October, the President will be here to inaugurate it. That will be the time we welcome investors, which in turn, will create employment opportunities for the youth in the county.”
The Principal Secretary noted that the facility will initially focus on the textile, edible oil, and cassava processing industries, with plans to attract additional investors in the future. “We have agreed with your governor that upon completion of this facility, we will invite investors in textile, edible oil, and cassava processing industries, among other sectors, to economically benefit the people of Busia,” he commented.
He further revealed that the government intends to advertise the zone before the end of the month to attract investors, ensuring that the facility will have ready partners by its launch later this year.
Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma highlighted the strategic importance of the EPZ, noting that it would open up business opportunities between Busia County and neighboring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and South Sudan.
Dr. Otuoma also mentioned that the county is actively promoting cotton and edible oil crop farming to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the forthcoming textile and oil factories. “The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is sensitizing farmers and providing them with seeds and market access, so that when investors arrive, we will have ready raw materials to supply them,” he explained.
Funyula Member of Parliament Dr. Oundo Mudenyo, who is also a member of the National Assembly’s Trade and Investment Committee, praised the ongoing work at Nasewa. “When I return to the committee, I will report that the funds allocated to this project are being utilized effectively,” he said.
Mr. Hassan was accompanied by Export Processing Zone Authority CEO Richard Omelu, Busia CECM for Agriculture Dr. George Mukok, and his colleagues from ICT, Trade, Roads, Public Works, Mr. Douglas Okiring, Olakachuna Omuse, and Andrew Nakitare.
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