Officials of Honda being awarded by minister Kasaija
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Hundreds of Ugandans are thronging the 31st Uganda International Trade Fair (UITF), which is being held at the UMA Show Grounds at Lugogo, in Kampala.
The show, which kicked off on October 2nd and will end on Sunday October 12th, has drawn leading manufacturers, innovators, and businesses from Uganda and across the region in what is being hailed as the most vibrant edition yet.
Speaking at the launch of the 31st Uganda International Trade Fair (UGTIF) trade fair at Lugogo in Kampala today, President Yoweri Museveni pinpointed UMA as one of the wall marks in Uganda’s industrialization journey, leading to job creation.
He said that manufacturing has directly created 2 million decent jobs and supported an additional 4.5 million indirect jobs across the value chain.
He added that the rosy economic growth figures clearly demonstrate that manufacturing lies at the very heart of Uganda’s transformation—from a factor-driven economy to an innovation-driven one.
“The industrial sector now accounts for 25.4% of GDP, surpassing agriculture at 23.5%, while complementing the services sector at 52.7%, he said in a speech read for him by Matia Kasaija, the finance minister.
He said that the theme of the 31st UGTIF, which is “Sustainable Industrialization for Inclusive Growth, Employment and Wealth Creation,” aligns seamlessly with NDP IV, which envisions Uganda as a modern, inclusive, and industrialized country.
The ongoing trade fair, which is projected to attract over 150,000 visitors, reflects the sector’s steady growth from its modest beginnings.
Major highlights
The major highlight of this year’s event is the BUBU (Buy Uganda Build Uganda) Supermarket, proudly sponsored by the Science and Technology Initiative (STI).
“This section provides a platform for local, low-end exhibitors to showcase their products at incredibly affordable rates, aligning with national efforts to promote locally-made goods and support small enterprises,” reads part of the release.
It further added that several manufacturers are offering significant discounts across various product lines, encouraging visitors to purchase in bulk and enjoy massive savings.
Products on offer range from home appliances to industrial tools, and the deals on offer are designed to benefit both individual buyers and businesses.
New home
Museveni pointed out that the progress now highlights the need for UMA to secure a larger, permanent home capable of accommodating the fair’s continued expansion.
“This is a good problem for UMA and government to address,” he further noted, adding that government will support the Association in finding a suitable location. He commended UMA for embracing innovation and technology.
“This has integrated multiple sectors of the economy. Innovation has also taken root within UMA, and the inventions showcased here demonstrate how industry can support agriculture, education, and business development,” he said.
This progress, he noted, aligns perfectly with the NRM’s ideology and historical mission—the creation of an integrated, self-sustaining national economy.
The President applauded UMA for its contribution to agriculture, education, textile production, and business training programs, all of which are enhancing the visibility of Ugandan-made goods on supermarket shelves.
The industrial sector’s contribution to Uganda’s economic recovery continues to strengthen, marked by several commendable developments.
“Firstly, manufacturers now consume 70.2% of all electricity produced in Uganda, with demand growing by approximately 40 megawatts each month,” he said, adding that the sector also contributes 30.3% of total national tax revenue, making it one of the largest single contributors to government income.
He further pointed out that manufactured goods currently account for about 23% of Uganda’s exports, positioning the country well to meet its 2040 target of 50% manufactured exports.
“Uganda’s prospects will improve further as the oil and gas sector begins generating revenue, alongside the mining industry, which remains one of the country’s most promising sectors.”
He said Uganda’s refining capacity and export growth are already transforming the country’s terms of trade, boosting export assets and stabilizing the local currency, and has rendered the Uganda shilling one of the most stable currencies in Africa.
Aga Sekalala Jr, the UMA chairman said that through prudent macroeconomic management, government has guided our economy to remarkable stability.
“These are fruits of the deliberate and strategic government efforts, including the recent approval of the National Tax Policy 2025, aimed at enhancing domestic revenue mobilization and ensuring our fiscal future is secure and sustainable.
Dr Ezra Rubanda Muhumuza, the UMA executive director said that the new accelerated trajectory GDP tenfold growth, from an estimated $61 billion to a commanding $550 billion in 10 years is commendable.
“The vibrancy you see on these grounds is the low-hanging fruit, a commitment to industrialization. Our task now is to overcome the constraints, to move from 53.4% capacity utilization to full productivity.”
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