KAMPALA, UGANDA — In a move that reinforces Uganda’s rising profile as a top investment destination, the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, hosted a high-level delegation from Yoshino Motors, a prominent Japanese automobile firm exploring deeper expansion into the Ugandan market.
Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of SHIPU, welcomed Yoshino Motors’ CEO Mr. Shunsuke Nakanishi and Uganda Managing Director Mr. Abas Ali to the Unit’s Kampala offices. The meeting celebrated Yoshino’s 13 years of successful operations in Uganda—during which the company has employed over 50 Ugandans—and discussed prospects for future investments.
“We are honored to receive Yoshino Motors, a respected Japanese brand with deep roots,” said Col. Nakalema. “Uganda—and Africa at large—offers immense untapped potential for businesses like yours. The government is committed to supporting and protecting every credible investor.”
Col. Nakalema emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and reaffirmed that SHIPU, in collaboration with NITA-U, provides streamlined services through the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal. The portal allows investors to directly access government agencies such as the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), and Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)—bypassing illegal middlemen and reducing red tape.
“President Museveni has instructed us to eliminate the middlemen and use technology to improve service delivery,” Col. Nakalema said, pointing out that investors from India and China have already used the platform successfully.
She encouraged Yoshino Motors to build on their current success in Uganda and explore opportunities in related sectors such as auto parts manufacturing and local vehicle assembly. She also commended the company’s long-term vision rooted in generational entrepreneurship, dating back to 1959 when it was founded by Mr. Nakanishi’s grandfather.
“Your grandfather started this legacy, and today, you’re expanding it across continents. It’s a powerful reminder to us in Uganda to build businesses that outlive us,” she said.
Mr. Nakanishi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated Yoshino’s strong interest in Uganda’s economic potential.
“We chose to invest in Uganda 13 years ago—and it was the right decision,” he said. “Africa, and especially Uganda, has all the fundamentals for long-term business success. We are confident and ready to grow our footprint here.”
He praised Uganda’s digital investment infrastructure and said the company is considering venturing into vehicle production, spare parts manufacturing, and joint ventures with local entrepreneurs.
Also present at the meeting was Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), who offered an additional collaboration avenue.
“Yoshino Motors could consider sourcing wood for vehicle interiors from Uganda, supporting local manufacturing while reducing production costs,” said Maniraguha. He also encouraged the company to deepen its shift toward hybrid and low-emission vehicles as part of the global push for climate responsibility.
Col. Nakalema underscored Uganda’s investment attractiveness with recent global recognition from respected institutions.
“The Oxford School of Economics ranked Uganda the third most attractive investment destination globally, and the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi named Uganda the most stable and rewarding economy in Africa for two years running,” she noted.
Describing Uganda as “Peaceful, Pleasant, and Profitable”, she reassured the investors of continued government support and emphasized infrastructure investments in roads, power, and digital systems to enable business growth.
“The President has directed that every wealth creator must be protected. Uganda is open for business, and our doors are always open to investors like Yoshino Motors,” she concluded.
Uganda continues to cement its reputation as a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly economy—welcoming forward-looking companies like Yoshino Motors that are eager to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.