KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s industrialization push has created 1.2 million manufacturing jobs, but the government is now prioritizing fair wages for these workers, according to Evelyn Anite, the Minister of State for Privatization and Investment.
Anite, speaking at the formal launch of TCL’s manufacturing operations here, stated that Uganda has shifted from an import-dependent economy to a growing industrial hub.
“Uganda has made significant progress from being a mere ‘supermarket of the world’s products,’ where imports dominated our markets, effectively donating jobs to other nations,” Anite said. She attributed this change to President Yoweri Museveni’s industrialization policy, which she said has boosted employment and enabled local production.
Anite highlighted the arrival of TCL, a global electronics brand, which has begun local assembly of televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, washing machines and dryers. These products, she noted, are manufactured in Uganda, making them both high-quality and affordable due to tax exemptions for local manufacturers. Companies assembling or manufacturing these products in Uganda pay a 10% tax rate, significantly lower than the 25% or 35% typically levied on imports.
“The quality of these products is exceptional, and they are very affordable because they are made locally,” Anite stated, urging Ugandans to support the “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” policy. “Every purchase directly supports a fellow Ugandan who is employed in these factories, enabling them to earn a salary and provide for their families.”
The minister also addressed the issue of a minimum wage. She said that while job creation was the initial priority, the time has come to ensure fair compensation for workers. With 1.2 million people employed in manufacturing, Anite said it is unacceptable for individuals to work long hours for low wages.
“It is simply not fair for someone to work from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and earn only 5,000 shillings ($1.35) a day, especially when we have offered substantial tax and non-tax incentives to these investors,” she said.
Anite confirmed that President Museveni has initiated tripartite discussions involving the Ministry of Gender, employers and employees to determine a fair minimum wage.
“This discussion is underway, and I am confident that the issue of a minimum wage will soon be resolved, ensuring that our citizens working in these factories are compensated fairly,” Anite said. In the interim, she implored investors to “pay our people decently, treat them fairly, provide them with protective gear, and ensure they are not exploited.”
TCL Eyes East Africa Dominance
Global electronics giant TCL formalized its presence in Uganda on Saturday, citing a favorable market environment and aiming to become the country’s top home appliance brand by year-end before expanding across East Africa.
Alvin Wang, Regional Director for TCL East & Africa, said TCL has operated in Uganda for over a year, with “good results” leading to the official launch event.
“The reason why we have entered the Uganda market is because the Ugandan government has created a good market environment for us international businesses,” Wang said. He added the launch served as both a thank you to the Ugandan government and consumers, and a pledge to continue delivering quality products and services.
TCL has partnered with Uhome Holdings Limited, the home appliance arm of Tian Tang Group, which operates the Mbale Industrial Park. This collaboration has led to the investment and construction of “Uganda’s most advanced television production line” at the park, creating more than 200 direct jobs, according to the companies. The venture also indirectly boosts employment through channel partners.
Luke Wang, General Manager of Tian Tang Group and CEO of Uhome Holdings Limited, emphasized TCL’s commitment to local production.
“TCL, which is made in Uganda, is the most localized brand of all global home appliance brands,” he said, reiterating the company’s support for Uganda’s “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” (BUBU) policy.
Addressing competition, Luke Wang acknowledged the presence of established international brands like Samsung, LG and Hisense. However, he highlighted TCL’s unique advantages as the world’s largest TV panel manufacturer.
“We have been leading the development of television display technology. So we have our own unique advantages in terms of technology and product updates that many other brands don’t have,” he explained. He also pointed to TCL’s “flexible market strategy” for different regions as a key competitive edge, citing the past year’s results in Uganda as proof of its competitiveness.
Alvin Wang stated the short-term objective is for TCL appliances to become “the favorite and most reliable brand for Ugandan spenders” by the end of 2025.
For the long term, TCL aims to leverage its localized technologies and products in Uganda to cover the broader East African market of “more than 100 million people” by exporting to neighboring countries. Alvin Wang noted TCL has already received positive feedback in other African nations, becoming the “first local home appliance brand” in Kenya, for example.
“Africa is a market with huge potential,” he said, expressing confidence that TCL is rapidly becoming the preferred appliance brand across the continent.
New Products Unveiled
Headlining the 2025 collection is the 115-inch X955 QD-Mini LED TV, the largest of its kind from TCL to be available in Uganda. This flagship model features improved screen technology with over 2,000 local dimming zones for exceptional clarity. Its CrystalGlow HVA Panel aims to provide a cinematic experience from any viewing angle.
“With this powerful line-up, we are redefining the television and home entertainment experience for Ugandan consumers,” stated Alvin Wang. “As we bring the world’s most advanced display technologies and immersive sound systems to this vibrant market, we aim to empower more households with the tools to experience cinematic brilliance at home.”
The 115-inch X955 achieves over 3,000 nits of peak brightness, delivering impressive contrast. Coupled with TCL’s All-Domain Halo Control technology, it aims to eliminate halo effects, while QLED technology ensures a wide color volume and bionic color optimization for natural and accurate tones. The television also features a built-in ONKYO 4.2.2 sound system.
Also launched was the TCL C6K TV Series, offering premium performance with QD-Mini LED technology and over 500 dimming zones. The C6K series combines an ultra-slim design with an artificial intelligence picture quality processor and ONKYO 2.1 audio, designed for modern living spaces and avid gamers.
Complementing the visual innovations are TCL’s new Q Series Soundbars, engineered to deliver rich, multidimensional sound. Highlights include the Q85H PRO with 7.1.4 Physical surround channel, the RAY • DANZE and Q75H with 5.1.2ch and RAY • DANZE, and the Tutti Choral models featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The lineup is rounded out by the compact TP300K and TP200K models.
TCL Electronics, which operates in over 160 markets worldwide, specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of a wide range of consumer electronics products, including TVs, audio devices, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses and commercial displays.
