Kampala – The Government of Uganda has urged local manufacturers to prioritize improving the quality and standards of their products in order to compete effectively in regional and continental markets.
The call was made by the Minister of State for Trade in charge of Industry, David Bahati, while addressing manufacturers during the opening of a pre-budget breakfast dialogue organized by the Uganda Manufacturers Association at Silver Springs Hotel Bugolobi.
The dialogue is being held under the theme “Harnessing the NDP IV to Combat Informality, Eliminate Illicit Trade and Drive Tenfold Growth.”
Speaking at the event, Bahati emphasized that improving product standards will enable Ugandan manufacturers to take full advantage of opportunities in regional and continental markets.
He noted that government is putting in place key infrastructure to support exports and facilitate trade across borders.
“We are committed to the African Continental Free Trade Market with a population of about 2.5 billion people. As you sit in this room as manufacturers, you must think about how you will take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area and comply with the set rules,” Bahati said.
He added that government is undertaking strategic infrastructure projects, including road construction linking Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo, to ease the movement of goods and expand export opportunities.
Bahati further urged manufacturers to broaden their outlook and produce goods not only for the Ugandan market but also for the wider East African and African markets.
The Chairman of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, Aga Sekalala, said the dialogue is intended to explore practical approaches to strengthening competitiveness and sustainability within the manufacturing sector.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the association, Ezra Muhumuza, said the discussions are focusing on key challenges affecting the sector.
Muhumuza noted that participants are addressing issues including taxation concerns, bureaucratic procedures in product certification by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, inconsistent power supply, and the need for reforms within the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority to ensure that local manufacturers can secure more government supply contracts.
The pre-budget dialogue has brought together policymakers, manufacturers and private sector leaders to examine strategies aimed at strengthening Uganda’s manufacturing sector and boosting its competitiveness in regional trade.
