The Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) has reported the creation of 5,790 direct jobs through its investments in 28 companies over the past ten years. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on November 4, 2026, where the corporation also outlined an ambitious plan to accelerate industrialisation, expand local manufacturing, and strengthen Uganda's export capacity.
Employment and Economic Impact
Patrick Birungi, the Executive Director of UDC, revealed that the investments have not only generated thousands of direct jobs but also numerous indirect employment opportunities. Looking ahead, UDC aims to create over 16,300 new jobs in the coming years. The supported enterprises collectively purchase more than 35,000 tonnes of agricultural produce annually, injecting approximately sh138b into the pockets of farmers and local suppliers.
Furthermore, these investments contribute about $14m (sh57.4b) in export earnings and over sh30b in annual tax revenue to the government, underscoring UDC's role as a key driver of economic growth.
Vision for the Next Decade
Birungi emphasised that UDC is positioning itself as the anchor of Uganda's industrialisation agenda over the next decade. "In the next decade, UDC will aspire to be the anchor of Uganda's industrialisation agenda," he stated. This vision aligns with the government's broader efforts to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
Upcoming Industrialisation Conference
The corporation's anniversary celebrations will culminate in the Uganda National Industrialisation Conference 2026, scheduled for November 18-20 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo. The conference, organised by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, UDC, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), among other partners, will bring together government officials, manufacturers, investors, development partners, and researchers to discuss practical measures for accelerating industrial growth. It will coincide with Africa Industrialisation Day on November 20 and will run under the theme, "Celebrating Uganda's Industrial Growth."
Sanjay Tanna, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, also addressed journalists at the press conference, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting industrial development.
The event marks a significant milestone for UDC, which has been at the forefront of Uganda's industrial transformation for the past decade. With its strategic investments and forward-looking plans, UDC is poised to drive sustainable economic development and job creation in Uganda.
