The Government has approved the establishment of a petrol-based industrial park in Kabaale, Hoima District, where the international airport is currently under construction. The park is expected to play a key role in transforming the region into an economic and industrial hub linked to the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.
The development was confirmed by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, during a cabinet briefing on Tuesday. He revealed that the Cabinet had approved a service fee of USD 1.5 per square meter per year for investors intending to establish general industries and commercial premises within the park.
“We intend to name it Cavale, the petrol-based industrial park,” Dr. Baryomunsi said, affirming that the location,Kabaale is where the new airport is being developed. “The Cabinet approved a service fee of 1.5 US dollars per square meter a year. This is after extensive benchmarking in countries that host similar industrial parks,” he added.
The fee, according to Baryomunsi, is competitive and aligns with global standards, following comparative studies carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
“The paper presented by the Minister of Energy was requesting Cabinet to approve that service fee, which we did,” he noted. “Investors establishing factories, industries, and other commercial facilities will be charged this rate annually.”
Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized that the industrial park will significantly benefit the Bunyoro sub-region, both economically and socially. He said the project will create numerous job opportunities and contribute to improved livelihoods, particularly for communities surrounding Uganda’s oil fields.
“Once this park is operational, it will bring a lot of employment and add tremendous value to our economy. It will greatly improve the welfare of Ugandans, especially those in the Bunyoro region, where oil is being extracted,” he remarked.
He further noted that the broader oil infrastructure development , including the refinery and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline , is progressing steadily, with construction works currently underway.
The announcement follows renewed government efforts to stimulate investment and value addition in the oil-rich Albertine Graben, as Uganda gears up for commercial oil production in the coming years.