CHANGE OF GUARD! Anite exits gracefully as Mukarazi takes charge

By Evans Najuna

KAMPALA: A new era has dawned at the Ministry of Finance as Hajjat Amina Mukalazi officially took over from Evelyn Anite as the State Minister for Privatization and Investment, pledging to strengthen Uganda’s investment climate, create jobs, and accelerate industrial growth.

The handover ceremony was on Wednesday and witnessed by Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, marked a smooth transition in one of the government’s most strategic economic portfolios.

Speaking shortly after assuming office, Mukalazi thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for entrusting her with the responsibility, describing the appointment as both an honor and an opportunity to serve Ugandans.

She also paid tribute to her predecessor, Evelyn Anite, for her dedication and contribution to Uganda’s privatization and investment agenda, promising to build on the foundation already laid.

Mukalazi pledged to work closely with investors, government agencies, and development partners to remove bottlenecks affecting business growth and investor confidence. She said her focus would be on attracting value-addition investments that create jobs, support industrialization, and boost exports.

Outgoing minister Anite expressed gratitude to the ministry’s technical team for the support they accorded her during her tenure. She highlighted key achievements, including the expansion of Namanve Industrial Park and the establishment of Mbale Industrial Park, among other industrial developments across the country.

Anite pledged to support Mukalazi as she settles into office and takes forward the ministry’s investment agenda.
Dr. Ggoobi praised Anite for championing Uganda’s investment drive and strengthening relations with investors, saying she leaves behind a clear roadmap for attracting and promoting investment.

He also welcomed Mukalazi to the docket, describing her role as critical to Uganda’s economic transformation and the government’s ambitious ten-fold growth strategy.
“The technical team is ready. Our mandate is clear: We shall provide timely data and sound policy advice so that political direction translates into economic results. We are committed to professionalism, integrity and service delivery,” Dr. Ggoobi said.

With Mukalazi now at the helm of the privatization and investment portfolio, expectations are high that her leadership will help unlock new investment opportunities, create jobs, and drive Uganda’s industrial transformation.