The Uganda Free Zone Authority (UFZA), has handed over the site of five (5) acres of land to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) to embark on the initial phase of construction of the first Public Economic Free Zone in Uganda.NEC is the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).UFZA acquired 5 acres of land from Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) for development of the free zone at the Entebbe International Airport.According to the officials the Zone development is projected to cost about shs 48 billion.Officials explained that the government has already allocated Shs 12.5 billion for the first phase of the project.“Upon completion, the free zone will house seven (7) production units and a trade house that will host offices of UFZA, URA and other government offices to facilitate smooth flow of business in the zone,” said authority.The chairman, Board of Directors of UFZA, Eng. Dr. Feredrick Kiwanuka said the proposed sectors for the project include; food processing (agro-processing), mineral processing, warehousing, storage, simple assembly among others.“All operators in this public free zone will process their products for onward export through Entebbe International Airport,”he said.The chairman urged the contractor and the supervisor to fast track the completion of the works to pave way for the second phase of the zone implementation.Speaking at the event, the executive director, UFZA, Hez Kimoomi Alinda said the free zone is expected to create at least 240 direct jobs and significantly contribute to an increase in Uganda’s exports.“It will also directly contribute to increase in cargo volumes to recently revived Uganda Airlines thereby boosting its business as the company secures more routes,”he said.The Authority is mandated to spearhead and oversee the establishment, development, management, marketing, maintenance, supervision and control of economic free zones and other related matters.
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