Investors flood Col Nakalema with bribery, red-tape complaints

Established by President Yoweri Museveni and led by Col Edith Nakalema, the unit aims to create a favorable business environment by shielding investors from corrupt practices and unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Equipped with various tools, including an online portal for filing complaints, the unit has, according to Col Nakalema, received a total of 189 complaints, with a significant majority centering around perceived predatory actions by commercial banks.

She highlighted concerns raised by investors, noting that many feel burdened by high-interest rates and constrained loan repayment periods.

In addition to banking issues, investors have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as unfair tax policies enforced by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

In response, the State House Unit has conducted training sessions for some investors on taxation and engaged in discussions with the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority and other commissioners.

The unit has also initiated dialogues with the leadership of the Bank of Uganda, major commercial banks, and officials from the Ministry of Finance.

Among the prominent complaints are allegations of government officials soliciting bribes from investors and enduring protracted bureaucracies within certain government offices. Foreign investors have specifically pointed out challenges related to land disputes and overlapping land titles as significant hindrances to their investments.

Col Nakalema recently met with government communication officials and reporters to brief them on the unit's activities.

She urged more investors to utilize the online platform provided by the unit to voice their concerns and seek resolution.