Manufacturers seek to cut losses through better cold storage

Ugandan manufacturers have turned to refrigerated transport and cold-chain solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the movement of fresh agricultural produce to markets, exporters and agro-processing facilities.

The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) says the initiative is part of efforts to address transport and logistics bottlenecks that continue to constrain agro-processing and value addition.

"We are rolling out refrigerated trucks to help in the movement of fresh agro-products for export, and to bring in raw materials in fresh form so that agro-industrialisation is activated," said Ezra Muhumuza, UMA executive director.

He was speaking at the UMA showgrounds in Kampala on Tuesday, ahead of the Uganda International Trade Fair, which opens next week.

"We came in to concentrate on reduction of barriers and create solutions. As manufacturers, one of the barriers we have been having as a country is transport and logistics challenges," Muhumuza said.

"We have been engaging with government, which has asked industrialists to support the 10-fold growth initiative. Many people have been asking where manufacturing is in this initiative. As manufacturers, we see ourselves as a catalyst for growth and are working to remove some of the barriers that affect industry."

Due to a lack of cooling near the farm gate, Uganda loses between 30% and 50% of fresh horticultural produce to post-harvest decay before it reaches processing units or urban markets according to Uganda Investment Authority.

The country's cold storage infrastructure is developing rapidly but remains significantly fragmented. While central hubs, such as Entebbe International Airport and major industrial parks around Kampala have modern, world-class cold-chain systems, rural and farm-gate supply chains still face a major shortage of cold storage capacity.

Muhumuza said the refrigerated transport solutions are intended to strengthen the link between farmers, exporters and agro-processing industries by providing controlled-temperature transportation for products that can deteriorate during transit. 

Muhumuza said manufacturing would play a catalytic role by providing equipment and other solutions needed to support production and value addition, as agro-processing remains among the priority areas of the government's national growth strategy.

The 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair runs from October 2 to 11, 2026, at the UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo, Kampala.

During the event,  Muhumuza said the trade fair will showcase other transport solutions, including heavy-duty trailers intended to support the movement of minerals from mining areas to processing facilities.

Meanwhile UMA has announced special discounts aimed at attracting more customers and supporting this year’s trade fair. 

Muhumuza said UMA’s online database of member products and discounts continues to grow, with 207 members having uploaded their products so far. The database features more than 4,000 discounted items, including home-improvement products from manufacturers, distributors and other businesses.

Aga Sekalala, UMA chairman, Sekalala said that this year's trade fair was moving from an initial vision to practical implementation.

“When we last met, we launched a vision. Today, we are bringing that vision to life,” he said.

He said this year’s theme, “Formalising trade to secure Uganda’s economic future,” carries significance beyond the trade fair, describing it as a reflection of Uganda’s broader economic ambitions and the resilience of the country’s manufacturers, as well as the opportunities available within the economy.

Doreen Kasande, a representative of personal care brand MOVIT, said the company will use the trade fair to strengthen its market presence and showcase its growing product range as it expands across Africa, engaging consumers while promoting its products and special offers as it seeks to enter new markets. 

MOVIT is taking part as an event partner and will bring a wide range of products for consumers to sample and purchase, along with promotional deals.

UMA is an industry association that brings together Ugandan industrialists and manufacturers, working to guide the sector toward sustainable global competitiveness. The association also advises the Government of Uganda on national and regional industrial policy.