Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) has pledged to support Japanese Automobile dealer Yoshino Motors expansion drive in Uganda market.
Yoshino specializes in importing, re-exporting, and trading high-quality Japanese cars to the world.
Col. Nakalema held high-level discussions with Yoshino Motors’ CEO, Mr. Shunsuke Nakanishi, and Uganda Managing Director, Mr. Abas Ali, at SHIPU offices in Kampala.
The visit coincides with Yoshino’s 13 years of operation in Uganda where it has created over 50 jobs and contributed to the local automotive sector.
“We are happy and honored to receive the CEO of Yoshino, a reputable Japanese company. Africa, particularly Uganda, holds immense potential for growth,” Col. Nakalema, said.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting legitimate investors through efficient channels. SHIPU manages the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, hosted by the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), enabling direct access to verified government services while bypassing illegal middlemen—a key focus of President Yoweri Museveni’s anti-corruption efforts.
Nakalema assured the investors that all critical ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are accessible via the portal, citing success stories from Indian and Chinese investors.
“His Excellency directed that online services eliminate middlemen. You’ll find URA, URSB, and UIA all in one place,” she said.
She urged Yoshino to expand beyond automobiles, praising Japan’s long-term investment culture, noting the company’s 1959 founding by Mr. Nakanishi’s grandfather.
“In Japan and India, generational investments thrive. We must ensure our children continue adding value,” she said, stressing President Museveni’s directive to protect wealth creators and enhance infrastructure.
Mr. Nakanishi thanked Uganda for its hospitality and reaffirmed Yoshino’s commitment.
“Since 1959, our company has grown. Thirteen years ago, we chose Uganda—a market with immense potential. We are eager to invest further,” he said, praising Uganda’s digital systems and expressing interest in vehicle production and local partnerships.
The Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, proposed supplying wood for Yoshino’s car interiors, urging the company to explore local manufacturing.
“Uganda can provide wood for your vehicles. You can manufacture here,” he said, encouraging Yoshino’s shift toward hybrid and energy-efficient vehicles to combat climate change.
Nakalema highlighted Uganda’s global recognition as an investment destination, citing rankings by the Oxford School of Economics and the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi.
She underscored Uganda’s Peaceful, Pleasant, and Profitable—assuring investors of a protected, infrastructure-ready environment.
“We continue to instill confidence. Uganda is open for credible investors ,”she said reaffirming SHIPU’s open-door policy
Uganda solidifies its reputation as a transparent, profitable investment hub.
President Yoweri K Museveni established the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) in his unwavering effort and commitment to fight corruption through leveraging Information Technology.
SHIPU’s main role is to ensure effective and sustainable collaboration between Government Institutions and Investors at all levels for collective growth and development
“Our vision is to make Uganda a global investment hub, with a Mission of effectively coordinate with stakeholders that include: UIA, URSB, URA, NEMA, Immigration among others. We aim at providing a conducive investment climate and, we serve with integrity, collaboration, vigilance to empower investors,’Nakalema said.
Our goal is to collectively simplify processes and create a transparent, corruption-free investment landscape.
