Eng. Elias A. Mugisha: Building Uganda’s Future Through Infrastructure & the 10x Growth Strategy

Eng. Elias A. Mugisha: Infrastructure as the Engine of Uganda’s 10x Growth Strategy

Private Secretary to H.E. the President of Uganda (Infrastructure & Public Works)
📍 UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025 | The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London

Infrastructure as Uganda’s Growth Engine

At the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025, Eng. Elias A. Mugisha, Private Secretary to the President for Infrastructure and Public Works, outlined Uganda’s 10x Growth Strategy — a transformative framework positioning infrastructure as the foundation for national industrialisation and economic transformation.

“We are moving from fragmented project planning to consolidated national infrastructure frameworks.” — Eng. Elias A. Mugisha

Framing his remarks around Uganda’s four priority sectors — Agribusiness, Tourism, Minerals, and Science & Technology (ATMs) — Mugisha highlighted how energy, transport, and digital infrastructure are central to unlocking sustainable growth. He revealed that Uganda faces an annual infrastructure investment gap of $1.4 billion, which the government is addressing through public–private partnerships (PPPs), UK Export Finance (UKEF) support, and diaspora-led financing models.

Opportunities and Reforms Driving Growth

Mugisha identified Uganda’s strategic strengths:

• Presidential prioritisation of infrastructure with oversight from State House.
• Integrated cross-sector planning linking energy, transport, housing, and ICT.
• Flagship energy projects including Karuma (600 MW) and Isimba (183 MW).
• Ongoing logistics and cost-competitiveness reforms to reduce production costs.

He explained the multiplier effects of infrastructure investment:

• Industrialisation – Reduces energy and logistics costs to enhance export competitiveness.
• Tourism – Expands visitor capacity through roads, airports, and hospitality infrastructure.
• Urbanisation – Promotes sustainable smart cities and affordable housing.
• Energy Access – Advances rural inclusion through renewable and last-mile connectivity.

Governance, Reform, and Investor Confidence

“Uganda is open, committed, and ready to work with serious investors to build resilient infrastructure for sustainable development.” — Eng. Elias A. Mugisha

Mugisha highlighted key governance reforms designed to strengthen investor confidence:

• The Public Investment Management System (PIMS) has cut project approval timelines from over 700 days to under 12 months.
• Digital registries and biometric verification now enhance project data accuracy.
• The State House Investor Protection Unit, led by Col. Edith Nakalema, ensures transparent dispute resolution and fair investor treatment.

UK Collaboration and Investment Partnerships

Mugisha invited UK investors to leverage UKEF and other Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) to co-develop infrastructure in renewable energy, housing, and transport. He cited the confirmation of a $500 million Gridworks and Uganda Development Forum investment into national electricity transmission and distribution — a testament to Uganda’s growing credibility and capacity for capital absorption.

Key Takeaway

Uganda offers a $1.4 billion annual infrastructure opportunity, driven by political commitment, efficient governance, and investor readiness. Under the 10x Growth Strategy, infrastructure, energy, and governance converge to create a stable and scalable environment for sustainable investment.

“Infrastructure is not just construction — it’s the architecture of Uganda’s transformation.” — Eng. Elias A. Mugisha

Cross-Reference Summary: The Uganda Growth Trio – Stability, Energy & Transformation

Eng. Mugisha’s infrastructure agenda forms the physical backbone of Uganda’s transformation strategy, complementing Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa’s clean-energy leadership and Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba’s macroeconomic stability model:

• Mugisha drives integrated infrastructure and public works.
• Nankabirwa powers it with renewable energy and affordable tariffs.
• Nuwagaba sustains it with disciplined monetary and fiscal policy.

Together, this Growth Trio positions Uganda as one of East Africa’s most investment-ready economies — where energy fuels infrastructure, infrastructure drives production, and stability sustains prosperity.