KAMPALA, 3rd November 2026 – Uganda is set to receive a delegation of 82 Italian investors and leaders expected to explore investment opportunities aimed at strengthening local governments, promoting green energy and stimulating economic development, particularly in the Bunyoro Sub-region.
The development follows a recent visit to Italy by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, where she held engagements with potential investors, among them the delegation of 82 Italian business leaders led by the Secretary-General of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The development was announced today by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, while addressing the media following a closed-door meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Mauro Massoni, at the Minister’s office in Kampala.
Hon. Balaam revealed that the Italian investors are expected to bring investment worth approximately EUR 72 million, with some of the proposed projects focusing on waste management, agricultural markets and other strategic sectors.
Among the key proposed investments is the establishment of a waste recycling plant in Hoima City. The facility is expected to address challenges associated with poor waste disposal while converting waste into useful products such as organic fertilisers and energy, in support of Uganda’s green energy agenda.
The Minister also highlighted plans for the establishment of a modern fresh food market in Hoima to provide farmers with a structured and reliable marketplace for their agricultural produce.
He noted that the proposed market would particularly benefit farmers under the Parish Development Model by providing them with adequate space and opportunities to access different buyers, improve market access and increase household incomes.
“The new market will give more space to beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model, especially farmers, to sell their produce to different customers,” Hon. Balaam said.
The Minister further proposed to the Italian Ambassador that the investors consider supporting the redevelopment of Kalerwe Market in Kampala into a modern fresh food market, citing its strategic location along a major highway and its importance in the country’s agricultural trade.
Hon. Balaam welcomed the proposed investments, expressing appreciation to the Italian Government and its people for their confidence in Uganda and their willingness to partner with the country in advancing local economic development.
“I want to thank the Italian Government and its people for having confidence in us as a country,” he said.
Italian Ambassador Confirms Upcoming Delegation
The Italian Ambassador to Uganda confirmed that the delegation, led by the Secretary-General of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is expected to arrive in Uganda in the coming days for discussions with the Government on several proposed investment initiatives.
He explained that the investors will engage the Ugandan Government on a proposed programme known as the Green City Initiative, which will focus on waste management and the development of modern farmers’ markets.
The Ambassador noted that the discussions would also cover cooperation in the health sector, which has traditionally been one of Italy’s key areas of development intervention in Uganda.
He further revealed that Italy is strengthening its development cooperation with Uganda through partnerships between Italian regional authorities and Ugandan local governments.
According to the Ambassador, three Italian regions are already in discussions with some Ugandan districts on three proposed projects, including a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative and an agricultural mechanisation project.
“These are among the projects we shall discuss when the delegation arrives in Uganda,” the Ambassador noted.
He added that the delegation would comprise representatives from companies and institutions operating in various sectors, including coffee, medicine, defence and development cooperation.
The Ambassador also expressed hope that the delegation would have an opportunity to meet H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda to conclude discussions and explore the way forward on the proposed investments.
The anticipated visit presents an opportunity to strengthen Uganda-Italy relations and expand cooperation between the two countries, particularly in empowering local governments, improving agricultural value chains, promoting sustainable urban development and creating opportunities for local economic growth.
