KAMPALA -Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has asked government to support them in the process of acquiring land for the construction of modern Trade show grounds to replace the ones in Lugogo which have become small to accommodate them all.
The Manufacturers through Mr. Deo Kayemba , UMA Board Chairperson through the Vice President Hon Jessica Alupo , the chief guest at the official openning of the 29th Trade fair , reported that the number of members has grown and their needs have also increased thus the need for a much bigger space.
“We started hosting trade fairs in this space way back in the early 90’s when the members were less than 30 but today we over a thousand members. We need to have a bigger space where we can have a modern exhbiting hall, hotels and modern facilities as those we find at the Dubai expo.”
Kayemba also reported to the Vice President that although government reduced the price of electricity , some manufacturers are still charged highly which left them with high operation costs thus affecting the prices of their products.
“Uganda used to be the leading importer of most of the peoducts like Sugar, beverages and other commodities but due to industrialization all this jas changed. By the 90s GDP 7 Percent 2022 contribution was 15 percent and we hope that i will increase higher as time passes.”
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in his message read by Vice President, Hon Jessica Alupo applauded the Visionary leaders in the manufacturing sector who started the UMA exhibition which has greatly promoted development in the country.
“We have witnessed evolution of our industrial sector through the lens of the Visionary leaders and we applaud them for that. One of my goals as i assumed the mandate as President in 1986 was to kick start the revival Industrialization which had come to mere standstill due to prevailing insecurities.”
Museveni emphasized that peace is key in any country’s development that why the NRM government has continued to ensure stability because no country can develop under chaos.
“NRM since inception has been working tooth and nail to ensure that it boosts energy sector to increase Uganda’s production capacity . we realized that availability of electricity more especially for production lifeline of modern industry. Recognizing this we undertook massive Hydro Electricity Power (HEP) projects that is the Isimba and Karuma pwr dams which increased electricity from a mere 60 mg watt in 1990s now to 1346.62 mega watt as of 2021 ”
President further called upon all foreign exhibitors (investors) to explore and turn Uganda as their investment destination basing on the opportunities available.
Francis Mwebesa , the Minister for trade, industry and Cooperatives ,noted being one of the founding members of UMA , he knows all the problems faced by Manufacturers which he promised on behalf of government to solve
Dr. Ezra Muhumuza the Executive Director UMA commended government for its support towards the organization of the 29th UMA Trade fair.
“Organizing such a successful event is not a simple task, i thank government for allowing us to organize this trade fair especially during this period when security and insecurity is not predicted.
I would like to report to you your Excellence that the security you promised is on the ground and we are comfortable.”
UMA trade fair Kicked off on 3rd October 2023 and it will run upto 10th October 2023, running under a theme “Driving Manufacturing and Trade Efficiency through Digital Transformation and Innovation.”
About UMA show grounds
The show grounds are located Lugogo, Nakawa Division , Kampala District about 4.2 km from Kampala City Center.
The grounds have different facilities like shops, offices , factory outlets , exhbition halls , open space for conducting promotional activities and installation of stalls.
It attracts people engaged in various activities both from Uganda and outside the country.
Every October , these trade grounds hosts the International trade fair which has been held for now 29 years consecutively except for the years of covid19.
