Yoshino motors eyes expansion to Uganda
CAPTION: Head-of-the-State-House-Investors-Protection-Unit-Col.-Edith-Nakalema-after-the-meeting-in-Nakasero-July. (Courtsey photo).
By Our reporter
NAKASERO – Col. Edith Nakalema, the Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), has received top management of Japanese automobile dealer Yoshino Motors, a company that is exploring opportunities for further expansion in the East African country.
Yoshino specialises in importing, re-exporting, and trading high quality Japanese cars.
Col. Nakalema held high-level discussions with Yoshino Motors’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shunsuke Nakanishi, and the company’s Uganda Managing Director, Mr. Abas Ali, during a meeting held at the State House Investors Protection Unit Offices in Kampala on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Their visit comes as Yoshino celebrates 13 years of operation in Uganda, where it has already created jobs for over 50 Ugandans and contributed to the development of the local automotive sector.
“We are happy and honored to receive the CEO of Yoshino, a reputable group of companies from Japan. Africa, and in particular Uganda, still holds immense potential for companies like yours to grow,” said Col.
She also emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting legitimate investors through modern and efficient channels.
The State House Investors Protection Unit manages the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, which is hosted by the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U). The portal provides direct access to verified government services and allows investors to bypass illegal middlemen, a challenge President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has often cited in his drive to eliminate corruption and inefficiency in service delivery.
Col. Nakalema briefed the Japanese investors on the government’s investment facilitation framework and assured them that all critical ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are accessible through the online portal. She said this innovation has already proven effective, with investors from countries like India and China successfully using it to resolve complaints and access services without interference.
“His Excellency the President guided that to eliminate wrong elements—the so-called middlemen—we use online services to reach authentic government MDAs. You will find Uganda Revenue Authority,
Uganda Registration Services Bureau, and Uganda Investment Authority all accessible in one place,” Col. Nakalema noted.
Shs also appealed to Mr. Nakanishi to continue building on their presence in Uganda and to consider expanding into other sectors beyond automobile.
She lauded the long-term investment culture of Japanese companies, referencing Yoshino Motors’ rich heritage that dates back to 1959, when it was founded by Mr. Nakanishi’s grandfather.
“In Japan and India, the investments that were started by your grandfathers continue growing in their names through their children and grandchildren. It’s a great lesson to us that we must ensure our children continue adding value through what we’re doing today,” she remarked.
She added that Uganda’s leadership is under strict directives from President Museveni to safeguard “every wealth creator and everyone adding value to Uganda.”
This, she said, includes support for infrastructure development such as roads, electricity, and telecommunications, which are critical enablers of industrial growth.
In his remarks, Mr. Nakanishi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated the company’s belief in Uganda’s economic potential.
“Our company was established in 1959 by my grandfather. Thirteen years ago, we chose to invest in Uganda. From our view, Africa, and Uganda in particular, is a growing market with many features that make it attractive. We don’t hesitate to put more investment here,” he said.
Mr. Nakanishi praised the effectiveness of Uganda’s digital investment support systems and expressed interest in exploring new ventures in vehicle production, parts manufacturing, and local partnerships.
The meeting also drew participation from the Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, who offered Yoshino a new avenue of collaboration.
Mr. Maniraguha suggested that Uganda could supply wood materials for Yoshino’s automobile interiors, a move that could open up downstream manufacturing possibilities within the country.
“For some of your vehicles, we know wood is used for interiors. Uganda has the potential to provide that wood. You don’t even need to carry it abroad; you can manufacture the vehicles from here,” said Maniraguha.
He also appealed to Yoshino Motors to continue its transition toward hybrid and energy-efficient vehicles.
“Climate change is a serious global issue. Reducing emissions is critical. We’re encouraged that you are working on hybrids, and we urge you to stay on that path,” he emphasized, further pledging full support from the forestry sector, and encouraged the company to explore other industrial linkages for sustainable growth.
Col. Nakalema further noted that Uganda’s appeal as an investment destination is growing, backed by recent accolades from global think tanks and financial institutions. They include the Oxford School of Economics, which recently ranked Uganda as the third most attractive investment destination globally, while the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi has recognized Uganda for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) as the most rewarding economy and the most stable in Africa.
She highlighted the nation’s strengths as the “three Ps”: Peaceful, Pleasant, and Profitable, affirming that Uganda is well-positioned to accommodate more high-caliber investors from across the world.
“We continue to give confidence to all our esteemed investors. The government has created an environment where you are protected, where infrastructure supports your needs, and where value addition is prioritized,” she emphasized.
In conclusion, Col. Nakalema reaffirmed the government’s open-door policy to credible investors and expressed gratitude to the Japanese for their trust in Uganda.
“The protection of investors remains a top priority of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda. This office—the State House Investors Protection Unit—is open full time. You are always welcome,” she said.
Uganda continues to build its reputation as a reliable, transparent, and profitable investment hub.
