Investors should place emphasis on local content if they are to develop the economy of Uganda, Amelia Kyambadde, the minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, has said.

Speaking at the launch of Deacons, which manages and owns various acclaimed retail brands in East Africa such as Woolworths, Adidas, Baby shop, among others, Kyambadde encouraged the proprietors of the company to buy materials from local manufacturers to help create jobs for Ugandans.

Deacons Uganda which was established in 2009 and currently operates the Mr Price Apparel store in the Oasis mall in Kampala, is a subsidiary of Deacons Kenya. They will be operating three lifestyle and fashion stores, which include Baby Shop, 4u2 and Angelo at the Freedom city mall.

"The brands being introduced will fill a void in the marketplace that is still growing, and will stand out by providing differentiated and fashionable product offerings at great value," said CEO Muchiri Wahome.