A'ita Jaffer Joel
1. THE LOCATION FACTOR
– West Nile is strategically located in the North-Western part of Uganda bordered by South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
– The region lies at a confluence of commerce and cultural diversity offering access to the markets of eastern DRC, South Sudan and the Central African Republic markets.
– Due to a history of instability the neighbouring countries are relatively underdeveloped therefore largely rely on West Nile for commerce
– Purchasing and Processing hub for minerals and resources from neighbouring countries lacking in infrastructure
2. NATURAL RESOURCES
– There is availability of natural resources in the region
– Arable land, tropical weather
– Resources such as gold, diamonds, diamante, limestone, timber and oil (early exploration)
– Little exploitation of the resources has taken place
– Resource flow from across the borders
– Raw materials for industry & manufacturing
3. LABOUR FACTOR
– High literacy levels
– Availability and variety of labour; skilled labour & unskilled
– High productivity of labour
– Numerous technical schools
– Increasing computer literary
– Low Cost of labour
– Influx of refugees
– Strong cultural and linguistic affinity with Europe
4. POPULATION FACTOR
– The West Nile region has a population of over 3 million people and growing at a rate of 3.4% per annum
– This is more than countries like Gambia, Djibouti, Comoros, Swaziland, Mauritius, Guinea Bissau, Gabon, Namibia, Mauritania and Botswana.
– The population is expected to double in the next 15 years due to improvement in healthcare services, education levels as well as the influx of refugees
– This increase in population is expected to compound the already high demand for infrastructure, housing, education, leisure and other social services
– Over 75% of the population is under 40 years, therefore, expected demographic dividends
5. INFRASTRUCTURE FACTOR
– The West Nile region is expected to benefit from the ongoing actualization of the national & regional infrastructure plan which details;
– Upgrading of the road infrastructure, market, Hospitals, Stadium are ongoing etc
– Development of 600MW Dam at Karuma falls at a cost of US$1.4 Billion. Currently over 90% complete.
– Upgrading of Arua Airfield into an international airport in Arua the regional capital of West Nile.
– Development of Railway line to link West Nile to Mombasa the Coast of Kenya which is part of a greater regional infrastructure development plan
6. POLITICAL STABILITY
– Democratic governance
– 30 years of political stability
– Strong government institutions and presence across the entire region
– Strong rule of law
– High law enforcement & Respect for law
– Pro-Business Leadership
– Friendly & Welcoming people (high numbers of refugees)
