The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, Col Edith Nakalema, has urged Executive Directors from various government agencies to protect investors from mafias, emphasizing that these investors create hundreds of jobs for Ugandans. Col Nakalema made the remarks during a high-level meeting with top EDs, including Dr. Chris Mukiza, Executive Director of Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Dr. Patrick Birungi, Executive Director of Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), and Dr. Silver Mugisha, Executive Director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation, at her office in Kampala.
According to insiders who attended the meeting, Nakalema said, “Some highly organized mafias in Kampala have defrauded our investors of billions of shillings, claiming to secure them lucrative deals in government agencies when, in fact, they do not.” She warned that such scams frustrate investors, often forcing them to leave the country, causing financial losses and missed opportunities for job creation. “Let’s give these investors protection and save them from losing billions to mafias. This money will be used to create jobs for Ugandans,” Nakalema emphasized.
Col Nakalema also encouraged the EDs not to be intimidated by these mafias, explaining that their motives are personal gain, not government interest. “Mafias often try to scare EDs away from legitimate deals, threatening job loss. Remember, you were appointed by the President, not these so-called mafias. Report them to me, and I will handle the matter,” she said, adding that the President has instructed her to fight corruption and protect investors.
The Executive Director of UBOS, Dr. Chris Mukiza, highlighted that the role of CEOs should be to focus on countering distortions and negative information promoted by these forces. “CEOs must ensure that negative forces do not interfere with the smooth implementation of investment projects,” he noted.
The meeting underscores the government’s commitment to protecting investors and promoting job creation, sending a clear message that corruption and intimidation will not be tolerated in Uganda’s investment landscape.
