Mbale-As Uganda marks Labour Day (Annually every 1st May) ,the industrial sector has been highlighted as one of the leading sources of employment for both skilled and unskilled workers across the country.
Located in Eastern Uganda, Sino Mbale Industrial Park has emerged as one of the country’s largest industrial hubs, significantly contributing to job creation and economic growth. Spanning approximately 2.51 square kilometres, the park hosts 82 factories—62 of which are operational—employing more than 13500 Ugandans.
Many workers at the park are engaged in technical and casual roles, with several testifying to improved livelihoods since gaining employment.
Adong Mary, a sewing machine operator at Grace Textiles from Katakwi District, said the job transformed her life.
“Before getting this job, I was in the village. I was told I only needed a national identity card to apply. Now I can support my family through feeding and paying school fees,” she said. She encouraged unemployed Ugandans to apply for jobs at the park.
Abdullah Muswale, an employee at Tian Nao Furniture, noted that his daily earnings have increased from UGX 6,000 to UGX 15,000, excluding bonuses.
“My life has improved. I have been able to buy animals and household essentials,” he said.
Similarly, Nabong Yasin of Grace Textiles said his income has grown steadily since joining the company in August 2025, urging energetic youth to seize employment opportunities at the park.
Kalema Henry, a manager at Grace Textiles, acknowledged progress made but appealed to management to recognize workers with incentives during special occasions such as Labour Day.
Brenda Nagutti, an electrician and graduate of Electrical Engineering working with CHINT, said the park has equipped her with practical skills.
“We are treated well, given protective equipment, and trained in computer skills. I can now confidently use a computer and even start my own soldering business,” she said, encouraging women to embrace hard work and self-reliance.
Kennedy Mushemeza, the Public Relations Officer of the park, explained that the industries support both direct and indirect employment.
“One of the companies, Timber Paper Industries, manufactures printing paper, toilet paper brands like Babubu and Timber Paper, and napkins using raw materials such as eucalyptus and sugarcane husks,” he said.
He added that while the park directly employs over 13,500 workers, more than 200,000 people benefit indirectly, including farmers, transporters, loaders, and other service providers.
Mbale Resident City Commissioner George Wapuwa said the park has not only created jobs but also strengthened bilateral relations between Uganda and China.
“The area was previously a swamp with little benefit, but now it generates employment and tax revenue for government,” he noted.
Wapuwa emphasized that labour concerns are addressed through Community Development and Probation Officers, who mediate between employers and employees. He urged workers to remain disciplined and invest their earnings in sustainable ventures.
Mbale City Mayor Joyce Kidulu said the city leadership is prioritizing skills development among youth.
“Through engagement with employers, we identify the skills needed in the job market and incorporate them into training and mentoring programmes,” she said.
Sino Mbale Industrial Park Administrator Laurant Zhang revealed plans to expand the park to 100 factories in the coming years.
“Many workers come without prior skills, so we train them. However, language barriers between Chinese employers and Ugandan workers remain a challenge, which we are working to address,” he said.
The continued expansion of the industrial park signals growing opportunities for employment and skills development, positioning it as a key driver of Uganda’s industrialization agenda.
