By Nicholas Banadda
David Bahati, Minister of State for Industry has advised manufacturers to raise their standards, to win regional markets”
Speaking on Wednesday at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Pre-Budget Breakfast Dialogue in Kampala, Bahati delivered a clear directive: prioritize quality improvement this year to enhance competitiveness beyond our borders.
“As Uganda pushes for economic transformation under the NDP IV theme—”Harnessing the NDP IV to combat informality, eliminate illicit trade and drive tenfold growth”—the spotlight is firmly on the manufacturing sector to lead the charge,” he said.
On infrastructure, Minister Bahati reassured stakeholders that government is actively developing systems to support the export of manufactured goods, signaling a commitment to ensuring Ugandan products not only reach regional markets but thrive there.
UMA Chairman, Aga Sekalala and Executive Director Dr. Ezra Muhumuza highlighted persistent challenges including, Tax policy concerns, Delays in UNBS product certification and Inconsistent power supply.
“There’s urgent need for PPDA (Public Procurement and Disposal Authority) reforms to enable local manufacturers to secure government contracts,” Muhumuza said.