The Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA) this week convened a specialised training on Environmental Management Standards to enhance the capacity of Free Zone Developers and Operators in meeting Uganda’s environmental compliance requirements. The training, held at the Speke Hotel in Kampala on 9th December 2025, was facilitated by senior experts from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Despite setting up the online NEMA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment licensing portal, several developers noted some difficulties utilizing this platform.
Stephen Mutyaba of Mahathi Infra Uganda Ltd noted that “We applied for a license online but on the portal, all we can see from the developers end is that the application is active but you cannot see the status. For example for our the lake shore permit application, we’ve only been been told it is on the ED’s desk for three months now.”
Speaking on behalf of UFZEPA, Ms. Rebecca Nalumu, Senior Manager, Special Economic Zones Operations and Compliance, underscored the Authority’s commitment to ensuring that all Free Zone developments align with national environmental regulations and international best practices. She emphasized that environmental compliance is not only a statutory obligation but also a strategic pillar for building competitive and sustainable Free Zones that attract quality investment and support Uganda’s export-led growth agenda.
Representing NEMA, Ms. Anita Ainomugisha, Senior Environment Compliance Officer, delivered key insights into the environmental regulatory framework, including the requirements for acquiring an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Certificate. She stressed the importance of proactive environmental management, compliance monitoring, and adherence to established standards to ensure responsible industrial development within Free Zones.
The training provided participants with a deeper understanding of their environmental responsibilities under the Free Zones (Amendment) Act, 2024. It also highlighted best practices for mitigating environmental risks, promoting sustainability, and ensuring that Free Zone operations contribute positively to the country’s economic and ecological well-being.
UFZEPA commended all participants for their active engagement and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmentally sound practices across all Free Zones. The Authority emphasized that strong collaboration between UFZEPA, NEMA, and private sector actors remains essential in fostering a resilient, sustainable, and export-driven economy.
As of June 2025, a total of 43 private Free Zones had been licensed, reflecting growing investor confidence in the regime; among these, six firms were licensed in FY 2023/24, namely Image Coffee Ltd., GOCTA Workwear (U) Ltd., Yako (U) Ltd., Kasanda Sugar (U) Ltd., Inspire Africa Establishments Ltd., and Master Grain Milling (U) Limited.
