KYAMBOGO– In a bid to improve commercial services delivery at the grassroots, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has procured 141 motorcycles for District Commercial Officers (DCOs) across the country.
While handing over these bikes to the Beneficiaries at Simba Automotive in Kyambogo on Friday, Hon. Frederick Gume, the State Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives revealed that this equipment was procured with in fulfillment of Financial Years 2024/25 Budget Strategy which emphasised Effective Implementation of the Parish Development Model through proper faciltation of Frontline service providers so as to be able to support the implementation of government programs at grass root level.
“The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives operates through the Commercial Officers who are the frontline extension officers for the Ministry at the Local Government Level. The Commercial Officers fall under the Department of Trade, Industry and Local Economic Development (TILED) which was established in 2019. The establishment of the Department followed a series of undertakings to strengthen the implementation of its mandate at the local government level. First, a study was done in 2008 to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the District Commercial Office. The findings of the study highlighted a significant de-linkage with the Ministry.”
That the same study also revealed that DCOs who should promote trade, industry and cooperative activities at the districts, had limited capacity in terms of skills, financial and office resources.
The Minister also noted that, all , the motorcycles given out, have been tested and are strong since they are not the boda-boda type whose life span is always small.
The procured bikes will be used by the officers to; Undertake Cooperative Mobilization, Supervision, Education, and Extension Services.
Provide Trade Information, including market intelligence.
Conduct market research to identify new opportunities for industrial development, for business expansion, and diversification.
Promote innovation, thereby encouraging businesses to develop and or adopt innovative practices and technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness
Build Capacity through providing training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of cooperative members in areas such as governance, financial management, and business operations.
