Archbishop Kaziimba Urges Government to Prioritize Local Investors

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda has strongly advocated for increased government support for domestic entrepreneurs. He urged the administration to cultivate a more conducive environment for local investors to flourish and significantly contribute to Uganda’s economic advancement.

The Archbishop’s appeal came after a meeting with Canon Frank Twine, the proprietor of Fraine Supermarkets and Kinkiizi Traders Ltd, at one of his supermarket branches in Kabalagala.

Canon Twine had expressed concerns about the disparity in government attention and incentives, noting that foreign investors often receive preferential treatment over their Ugandan counterparts.

Archbishop Kaziimba highlighted the substantial employment opportunities created by local businesses. “Canon Twine has told me that his five Fraine Supermarket branches employ 720 people, while his other companies employ more than 600 people. These are jobs being created for Ugandans, and the money generated remains within and continues to circulate in our economy,” he stated.

He further emphasized that local investors deserve similar benefits, such as tax holidays, diplomatic assistance for international travel, and other facilitations currently extended to foreign investors. This, he believes, would empower them to expand their ventures and bolster national economic growth.

Canon Twine commended the Archbishop for championing the cause of local businesses and supporting the Church’s self-reliance initiatives. He acknowledged the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs, including high taxes and the lack of support compared to foreign investors who sometimes receive land and tax exemptions. “Such support is extremely rare for local investors, yet we contribute significantly to the national economy,” Canon Twine remarked.

Archbishop Kaziimba also recognized Canon Twine’s contributions to the Church of Uganda’s self-sustainability agenda, presenting him with an award during the visit. Canon Twine holds significant positions within the Church, including Head of Laity for Makerere Archdeaconry and a Canon of St Peter’s Cathedral, Nyakatare.

Source: Nile Post