Local industrialists urged to boost production for export
“As Ugandans, we need to produce more, process more and export more; this is how we can create more jobs, reduce imports and grow local industries,” said Bahati.
The State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), David Bahati (Middle), being led on a tour of stalls during the Ankole Industrial Development and Export Promotion Workshop on Friday, August 14, 2026. (Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)
________________
Industry state minister David Bahati has urged industrialists to increase local production and tap into export markets.
“As Ugandans, we need to produce more, process more and export more; this is how we can create more jobs, reduce imports and grow local industries,” he said, adding that the strategy would ensure that the country achieves economic transformation.
Bahati also noted that industrialisation remains at the centre of Uganda’s development agenda. He said that is why the Government has targeted establishing over 22 industrial and business parks across the country, with 12 already operational.
“These facilities are intended to provide the infrastructure and environment needed for manufacturers to produce at a large scale, create jobs and add value to Uganda’s raw materials,” he explained.
The state minister was speaking on August 14, 2026, at the Ankole Industrial Development and Export Promotion Workshop, held at Birya United Agencies in Ruti trading centre, where local manufacturers showcased Uganda’s potential in the productive sector.
The workshop was organised by the Mbarara City Traders Association in partnership with the Presidential CEO Forum and was intended to promote Uganda’s industrialisation agenda and contribute to the country’s target of achieving ten-fold growth through policy advocacy, trade promotion and increased exports.
State ministers, David Bahati touring exhibition stalls
It was attended by urban development state minister Margaret Muhanga, Irene Birungi Mugisha, the chief executive officer of the Presidential CEO Forum; Dr Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo; and Mbarara city mayor Robert Kakyebezi. It also brought together members of the business community from across the sub-region, exporters, farmers and political leaders.
“I am encouraged by the big employment opportunities you have already created in this area. It is pleasing that that some companies are employing up to 200 people,” the minister noted.
He added that the Government had committed to creating an enabling environment for both local and foreign companies engaged in production by providing tax incentives and access to affordable financing.
Uganda expects to earn sh1.44 trillion from oil revenues per year, which will contribute about 1.7% of total government revenue.
Bahati, who toured stalls for various exhibitors, told the manufacturers that the Government was targeting the establishment of 22 industrial and business parks across the country, with 12 already operational.
“We must use these facilities to promote value addition, agro-industrialisation and local manufacturing,” he explained.
He urged manufacturers to look beyond Uganda, where there is a bigger market. He said manufacturers could access significant regional and continental markets, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was signed in 2018. It has a population of 1.2b people, providing a big market opportunity.
The other is the East African Community (EAC), with over 366m consumers. “Our task should be to produce goods with high standards and in sufficient quantities for both domestic and export markets,” he explained.
Muhanga urged manufacturers to prioritise the production of high-quality goods that can compete favourably in both domestic and international markets. She discouraged the export of unprocessed goods but appealed to manufacturers to invest in value addition that would fetch them higher earnings.
Simon Sezi Mwijuka, the chairman of the Mbarara City Traders Association, said the workshop was intended to give traders a platform to acquire knowledge, share experiences and understand opportunities available in the business sector.