UMA press conference
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA)has organized the 13th Eastern Region Trade Fair (ERTF), which is due to take place from 14th to 23rd June 2024 at Mbale SS Grounds.
The fair, which will draw over 300 manufacturers, traders and distributors, is expected to bring in an average of 50,000 visitors from Mbale, Jinga, Soroti, Iganga, Tororo and other surrounding areas.
Eddie Ssenkumba, the UMA board member in charge of the communications, marketing and events, disclosed that the trade fair, which will be held under the theme, “Facilitating BUBU through Innovation and Value Addition” is aimed at highlighting the role of science, technology and innovation to drive growth of locally made products.
He said they are expecting a range of new products which include locally made phones, watches, televisions, electric meters, electric motor bikes and rechargeable batteries.
“We also expect locally produced irrigation systems, water treatment technology, motor trucks, Tuk Tuk and food mills for maize, cassava, and wheat,” he said, adding that the exhibition is aimed at facilitating business to business linkages where manufacturers and supplies of products from all sectors will meet under one roof.
He added that the exhibition will also feature product launch opportunities in the eastern region, adding that local industries, especially those that are located in the Mbale Industrial Park, keep on introducing new products which they have pledged to launch in a big way.
“The ERTF is the ultimate opportunity which makes the face to face interaction possible,” said Ssenkumba.
Participating sectors include construction, Automobile, Agricultural Machinery, Foods and Beverages, Packaging Materials, Plastics, Health, Confectionery, ICT and Alcohol and Spirits.
Others include Personal Care Products, Electricals, Logistics and Transportation, Stationery, Academia, Automobile, Furniture, Leather Goods Manufacturers, Dairy and Dairy products, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Exporters among others.
Show goers will only part with sh2,000 per head to access the venue. The fair is expected to be launched by Rebecca Kadaga, the first deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community.
Sponsors of the ERTF include Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Crestanks Limited, Eurofoam, Liao Shen Industrial Park-Kapeeka, Simba Automotives, and Deposit Protection Fund.
The ERTF is one of the three trade fairs organized by UMA annually. The other two are the Western Region Trade Fair and the Uganda International Trade Fair, usually held at the UMA show grounds in Lugogo.
