Business 13 October 2026 Nile Post
Uganda Courts Thai Investors with Tax Breaks and Full Ownership
Uganda is actively seeking investment from Thailand by offering significant incentives, including 10-year tax holidays and complete foreign ownership of businesses, to boost its agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/378213/uganda-offers-thai-investors-tax-holidays-full-ownership-to-boost-industry
Uganda has rolled out a series of attractive incentives aimed at drawing Thai investors, offering a decade-long tax holiday, unrestricted profit repatriation, and the possibility of 100% foreign ownership for businesses.
These incentives were presented by Ugandan officials at an economic networking event in Bangkok, held on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF annual meetings. The move signals Uganda’s strategic intent to attract capital from Southeast Asia into key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and tourism.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi highlighted Uganda’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and a streamlined investment registration process, which takes just one day. He also noted the potential for high annual profits, particularly in burgeoning sectors like data centers, fintech, and electronics.
Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, elaborated on the benefits for manufacturers and agro-processors, who would be exempt from income tax for ten years. Furthermore, machinery, spare parts, and industrial inputs will be duty-free, with access to subsidized land in industrial parks and free zones, alongside a one-stop licensing system.
Uganda aims to achieve substantial economic growth, targeting a tenfold increase in its economy by 2040. The country’s development strategy hinges on agro-industry, tourism, minerals, oil, and science and technology, sectors where officials believe Thai expertise can be invaluable. Specific areas of potential collaboration include agro-processing, light manufacturing, and the tourism and hospitality industry.
Officials also pointed to opportunities in mineral processing, such as lithium for batteries and iron ore for steel, and enhanced coffee processing to move beyond raw exports. Despite currently low trade volumes, Uganda sees significant potential for partnership, drawing parallels with Thailand’s own economic transformation through focused investment.