The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Masheda Foods Limited, a Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) enterprise to partner on opening the first Trade Hub in Kinshasa and other parts of Central and Southern Africa.
The pact will also see more trade hubs in other parts of Central and Southern Africa.
The signing was done by Matthew Bagonza, Head of Secretariat at PACEID, and Ms. Sherina Nabakooza Ainembabazi, the Chief Operating Officer of Masheda Foods Limited, and it was witnessed by Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development and Brenda K. Opus, Head of Markets-PACEID.
PACEID’s Matthew Bagonza and Masheda Foods Limited’s Sherina Nabakooza Ainembabzi after signing the MoU
The MoU will allow Masheda Foods Limited, a Congolese-registered entity, to partner with PACEID on the export of fish and fish products, beef, dairy products, grains, and many other food and industrial products. It will also allow the two to work together on the price of cargo to reduce charges for Ugandan exporters into Kinshasa, manage publicity for Ugandan products, and ensure return cargo where possible for Congolese entrepreneurs to trade in Uganda.
Rwabwogo expressed optimism about the partnership saying, âI am happy that the efforts that we began in May 2022 to open trading relations at a company level are beginning to bear fruit and I thank our Trade Representative, Mr. Justin Katoto, who has worked on several issues including non-tariff trade barriers for Ugandan businesses to sell in DRC and exchange information and products with Congolese companies.â
In June, Uganda’s head of mission in Kinshasa, Ambassador Alhaji Farid Mansoor Kallisa, said Uganda has a trade surplus with DR Congo amounting to USD 53.07 million (Shs208.9 billion). Goods from DRC to Uganda include pal oils and paints while Uganda exports fish, mattresses, salt and cereals among others to DRC.
The Uganda-Algeria Trade and Investment Forum & Exhibition took place last week from 30th September to 2nd October at Hotel Africana in Kampala following a directive by Presidents; Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the Republic of Uganda and Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the Peopleâs Republic of Algeria in March 2023 where a delegation of 150 business people and entrepreneurs from Uganda attended a business forum in Algiers.
The Business delegation was led by Hon. Francis Mwebesa, Minister of trade, industry and cooperatives of the republic of Uganda and Hon Tayeb Zitouni Minister of trade for export promotion of the peopleâs Democratic republic of Algeria to participate in the Uganda Algeria Trade and investment forum and exhibition. They held Bi- lateral discussions and officially opened the first ever Uganda Algeria business forum witnessing the MOU between the two chambers of commerce and later the establishment of the Uganda Algeria Business council that will spearhead and over sea trade between the two countries.
The forum was attended by Hon Francis Mwebesa, minister of trade and industry, Hon Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Ps Geraldine Ssali, Permanent secretary (MTIC), Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee on exports and Industrial Development, Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of state for Foreign affairs, on Harriet Ntabazi, minister of state for trade, MS. Olive kigongo, president of Uganda national chamber of commerce and industry, among others.
Hon Teyeb Zitouni leader of the Algerian delegation was accompanied by Mr Kamel Moula, president of the Algerian economic renewal council employers foundation, Mr zaoui Hoicine, Director General Algerian Chamber of commerce and industry and Ms Ahlem Rahmani, deputy director in the Algerian Ministry of trade and export promotion among others.
The forum was also attended by Ugandaâs ambassador to Algeria H.E Alintuma Nsambu, Algeriaâs ambassador to Uganda HE Cherif Oualid, senior Government officials and captains of industries and private sector from both countries.
The ministers re stated the commitment of their respective countries in resolving challenges to businesses in Uganda and Algeria, among these are;
Strengthening corporate relations between private sector and governments
Strengthening trade business linkages for favorable balance of trade between Uganda and Algeria
Removal of all trade barriers and enhancement of free movement of goods,services, capital and labour.
Operationalizing of the Algerian Ugandan joint business council established to handle challenges of existing business communities.
Revenue authorities of both countries to hold regular meeting with the private sector to address challenges.
Accelerating processes of mutual recognition of standards and compliances for goods and services.( A draft agreement was drafted and was submitted by the Uganda National Bureau of standards to IANOR in this regard)
The following are the commitments welcomed by the forum
Bilateral cooperation in the field of education as one of the strategies of consolidating Ugandaâs human resource development efforts with an addition of 500 scholarships.
Further discussions to implement visa free entry between Uganda and Algeria in partial realization of the African continental free trade area (AFCTA)
Direct air linkage between Uganda and Algeria to facilitate trade through conclusion of a bi lateral Air services agreement (BASA). The ministers agreed that the two countries can start by using the existing infrastructure of Ethiopian airlines which has direct flights from Addis Ababa to both Entebbe and Algeria.
Rectification of the concluded agreements and memorandum of understanding in the fields of trade , energy, agriculture, animal health tourism, higher education and scientific research
Uganda asked for duty free access for milk powder worth USD 700m, coffee, beef, fruits, and tea in line with quality and standard requirements of the Algerian market.
Adhering to the guided trade initiative (GTI) of the African continental free trade area (AFCTA), a frame work for adopting reciprocal tariff offers on the agreed upon products originating and traded between Uganda and Algeria
Through the PACEID frame work, during the B2b sessions business deals and partnerships were welcomed;
A poultry factory in Uganda that also produces and packaging materials for poultry products, all eggs produced from this factory to be exported to Algeria in a period of 1 month.
An irrigation and water reservoirs demonstration facility in western Uganda effective immediately.
Collaborations in production and exportation of Shea butter from Uganda to Algeria.
Power distribution and street lighting in northern Uganda
In addition , investment projects in Uganda agreed for further discussions through the joint business council wee proposed in the production of pipes, cement production,poultry,steel and iron, oil and gas ,cosmetics, assemble of cranes and machinery, manufacture of irrigation systems, shoe manufacturing and manufacture of equipment for sewage
Furthermore the two delegations applauded the commitment by 14 Ugandan companies to export to Algeria as well to 17 Algerian companies who agreed to export products to Uganda, the Algerian delegation appreciated the government of Uganda on its progress and its promotion of the and exploitation of the oil and gas industry during a tour of the kabalega industrial park located in Albertine Graben in western Uganda.
The Algerian delegation commended the government of Uganda for convening the Uganda Algeria trade and investment forum and exhibition, and expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to them, the delegation also appreciated Ugandaâs cultural diversity displayed during the welcome working dinner hosted by the Presidential Advisory Committee on exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) on 30th September 2023 at the Sheraton hotel, Kampala.
The sponsors of the forum were, PACEID, Housing Finance Bank, African export import bank, Pearl diary Uganda coffee development authority and other stake holders were applauded by the 2 delegations for their role in the making of the forum possible and further noted that this kind of partnership between the government and the private sector is critical in growing business between the two countries.
Benton Technologies Company, one of Shenzhenâs leading manufacturers of laptop computers, tablets, desktops, and makers of educational software will be investing USD30m in an assembly and production plant of one million laptops and tablets for Ugandaâs primary and secondary schools. The company officials led by Mr. Li Kaifu and Mr. Victor Zhang on Saturday conducted the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) delegation in their high-level 20,000 square meter manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Shenzhen city of Guangdong province. The facility employs 300 people and produces 2000 units per day.
PACEIDâs nine-person trade and export delegation comprising of government and private sector officials, was led by Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo. The team was in China to conduct buyer-seller sessions for Ugandan agro-industrial products for the China market and attract investments in food and mineral processing in Uganda. Shenzhen town, which is close to Hong Kong, is one of Chinaâs fastest-growing electronics and export centers in the world. PACEID hopes to attract Chinese wholesale and distribution companies for Ugandaâs food products. Uganda has a target of new USD6bn in five years from coffee, grains, dairy, beef, bananas, poultry, fruits and vegetables, tourism, cement, steel, and some others from the thirteen key products the government is focusing on. PACEID has set a target of USD100bn work of exports by 2062 when Uganda makes a century as an independent country.
Benton Technologies, said Mr. Li Kaifu, âintegrates design, research, and development and is a producer of high-quality products in the computing industry for schools and institutionsâ He said, âIt is a great opportunity to partner with Uganda and fulfill the vision of President Yoweri Museveni to add value to your mineral products by assembling some of our products in Ugandaâ. He added, âUganda has provided good incentives to us and if we keep to the schedule, we should be able to bring in some inputs and assemble as soon as practicableâ.
The company which sells its products to Amazon, AT&T, Rakuten, and Target Retail, some of the largest retailers and telecommunications providers in the USA, visited Uganda in January this year and met President Museveni who requested them to fulfill the vision of a growing computing industry to support manufacturing in Uganda. The company produces seven- and fourteen-inch children’s tablets for schools, mini personal computers, Point of sales (POS) machines, and conference projection equipment.
Benton Technologies supplies 30 percent of its products to the US market,15 percent to Africa and the rest to the EU and South America market. It has 31 international customers including the governments of Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Kenya and Tanzania. The computing chip sets the company uses are made in partnership with USAâs Qualcomm and South Koreaâs Samsung. Odrek Rwabwogo told the Benton Technologies team, âUganda needs to graduate from the importation of PCs and tablets which cost us more than USD160m annually, and begin assembly and eventual manufacturing of these items in the country.
âThe cables, circuit boards, plastic coverings, packaging material, can all be produced in Uganda if we are disciplined and enforce standards and stop taking manufacturing with a sense of casualnessâ. He added, âI am impressed that the village of Shenzhen of forty years ago, where Deng Xiaoping passed in 1992 before retiring and said China will never be poor again, now receives orders of high-level products from all over the world and it is an excellent city to work and live. I believe that our country too can do this very soon if we keep focusedâ
Rwabwogo urged Benton Technologies to think through a full value proposition to Uganda incorporating energy solutions for the laptops to village schools, and internet accessibility to facilitate studies for studies and repairs and maintenance online. He also asked to think through a good distribution network that ensures products reach students and schools on time and are kept in good working condition for at least six years.
On Sunday, the PACEID traveled to the region of Xiamen to meet coffee processors and other commodity off-takers.
While on a five-day tour of China last week, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) trade and export delegation met the countryâs largest importer of coffee into China, C&D Commodities Company, and made a case for Uganda coffee to be stocked in the companyâs 20,000 stores across China. Many international coffee companies have signed up for distribution of their coffees largely sourced from Africa and South America in China. C&D owns a subsidiary called Luckin Coffee, the largest in the country owned by the Government. The company imports green beans and currently roasts in the city of Shanghai.
In a session held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Chinaâs tourism city of Xiamen, central west China, the team presented Ugandaâs strategy for increasing roasted coffee sales into China to Mr. Bryant Du, Manager of Commodities for C&D company. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Huan Hu and other leaders for the companyâs global coffee purchases.
The PACEID nine-person delegation led by their chairman, Odrek Rwabwogo who is also Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, is composed of Ms. Brenda Opus, Head of Markets, Allan Mugisha, support officer on infrastructure, and other officers in the Information and technology sector. Rwabwogo told his hosts that, âUganda is open to work with C&D right from starting a large-scale farm if they so wish to set up roasting facilities in the country co-owned with Government where possible, and to support all export orders with crop finance. This will ensure the company buying coffee does not have to frontload funds till they have made sales and got awareness of the Uganda taste with Chinese consumersâ. The company raised issues of quality control, shipping and logistics, and payment systems which PACEID offered to resolve urgently to get the company in the country.
C&D Commodities is a USD150bn turnover company owned by the Chinese government since 1980. It is engaged in commodity trading, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics manufacturing and sales under license, textile production, infrastructure, and real estate. Its coffee subsidiary, Luckin Coffee Company, is one of the fastest-growing companies in China as coffee consumption expands with the increasing Chinese middle class. The country consumes more than 300,000 Metric tons, a third of this produced in China, and has over USD40bn in consumption expenditure.
Rwabwogo who made a presentation on tourism, industry, mining, and key agricultural projects in Uganda, said, âOur country and Africa know pretty well that prosperity is a shared risk as well as a gain. We no longer accept the stripping of the value of our commodities sourced from Uganda and the continent and little returns in jobs, technology, skills, and systems retained at home. This is why we share the risk in value addition of all our products. We will do whatever it takes to make sourcing, logistics, standards, and funding easier for you so that you can give us a portion of what you spend in South America and Vietnamâ.
Quoting Deng Xiaoping, the late leader of China who began the economic transformation of the country in the 1980s, Rwabwogo said, âPresident Xiaoping taught us to try experiments in special economic zones as he did here in Xiamen and Shenzhen. He told us âdevelopment must be taken carefully like a man crossing the river and groping for stones not to sink and to get to the other side of the riverâ. We too want to progressively end the dark stain of supplying raw commodities that we suffered for the last 100 years. We want to try out processing experiments in Uganda for all our commodities and if these work, the world is happy that one nation has overcome povertyâ.
The PACEID team also visited some of the largest cotton processing facilities in Guangdong province.
The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) led by Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, met a team from Bulemezi Heritage Coffee Cooperative Union, a farmers-owned cooperative Union in Ugandaâs Greater Luwero, to discuss various important issues.
One of the main topics of discussion during the meeting was market access. Bukenya Paul Michael, the Chairman of the cooperative union expressed interest in partnering with Uganda’s Balkan region trade representative Bratislav Stoiljkovic to explore new market opportunities for their coffee. By tapping into new markets, the cooperative hopes to increase its sales and revenue, ultimately boosting Uganda’s foreign earnings.
Another important issue raised was access to working capital. The cooperative union highlighted the challenges they face in securing financing for their operations and expressed their interest in working with UG EXIM to access the necessary funds. With adequate working capital, the cooperative can invest in its operations, improve its infrastructure, and ultimately increase its productivity and profitability. The âCoffee Cultureâ continues to date in over 60% of the households in Luwero. Partnering with this cooperative union contributes to improving the livelihood of families and the entire community. The solution lies in leveraging community numbers to drive quality and access better markets for Ugandaâs coffee.
Additionally, Bukenya and team proposed a visit by the PACEID Chairman to the cooperative’s bulking center in Luwube-Luwero for a training session with farmers. The training session will focus on the importance of mindset shift towards cooperative farming, emphasizing the benefits of working together as a collective rather than operating as individuals. The cooperative, a first-of-its-kind start-up boasts of over 1300 farmers with the potential to make 4000 members.
Richard Omagoro, the cooperativeâs Secretary expressed gratitude to Rwabwogo and his team during the meeting stating that PACEIDâs initiatives align with Bulemezi Heritage Coffee Cooperatives Unionâs goal. âWe are excited and working towards making this partnership a reality.â
By working together and implementing these strategies, the cooperative union can contribute to the growth of Uganda’s coffee industry and increase the country’s foreign earnings through exports.
While addressing a group of entrepreneurs and local leaders in Kirinya Bweyogerere, Wakiso District on Saturday, July 20, 2024, Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), emphasized the importance of leadership in shaping the countryâs production. âStrong leadership is essential for creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and for promoting economic growthâ.
Odrek Rwabwogo
Rwabwogo also highlighted the role of security in ensuring political stability, which in turn leads to an increase in production, stressing a secure and stable environment for businesses to operate in builds confidence among investors, and encourages growth and development.
He briefly spoke about the history of Uganda and how President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has shaped the economy from an enclave to what it is today. He preached patriotism urging guests to shun shallow politics and adopt a national collective ethic.
During his speech, Rwabwogo also explained the work of PACEID about the four pillars of markets, standards and compliance, infrastructure, and export credit funding. He outlined how PACEID works to support Ugandan exporting businesses in these areas, helping them to navigate challenges and take advantage of opportunities for growth and expansion.
âBy providing guidance and support to local industries, PACEID facilitates the development of export-oriented sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services that are enabling Uganda to establish itself as a competitive player in the international market. We work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and development partners, to identify export opportunities, address barriers, and develop policies that promote trade and industrial growth.
Following Rwabwogo’s presentation, the group expressed a need for a vocational training institute in the area to advance skills development. They noted that the area currently has only one government secondary school, which is overly populated and unable to meet the demand for all school-going individuals, hence the need for a vocational institute to enhance vocational training. The entrepreneurs emphasized the importance of investing in skills development to empower the local workforce and drive economic growth in the region.
Coordinated by Francis Kagonyera of Training, Production, and Outreach at PACEID, the event was hosted in Kirinya-Bukasa at the premises of Mr. Kiyengo Richard, a former Mayor of Kira Municipality and an entrepreneur.
Others present were; Mzee Seggane Erukana, former Mayor of Kira Municipality and a businessman, religious leaders from all faiths, NRM Chairman Kira Municipality, Bweyogerere LC3 Chairman Isaac Ssenkubuge, Namigadde Harriet, Nanyonjo Faith, Lameck Kawooya and other local leaders from neighboring sub-counties.
Odrek Rwabwogo, the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, visited and toured Masheda Holdings, a mixed-agricultural farm that doubles as an agro-tourism hub located in Buyala along Mityana Road. Spanning over 25 acres, the Masheda facility houses a diverse ecosystem of operations, including the Masheda Palm Resort, Masheda Mixed Farm for catfish, Masheda Foods, and Nkore Designs by Masheda.
During his tour, Rwabwogo was deeply impressed by the holistic, integrated approach taken by the Masheda Holdings management team. “This is an exemplary facility that showcases the potential of building a comprehensive value chain ecosystem, especially in the catfish industry,” he noted.
The catfish operations at Masheda Palms encompass the entire production cycle, from fingerling rearing to processing, packaging, and even exporting of both smoked and fresh fillets. Rwabwogo applauded the facility’s efficiency and the management’s focus on maximizing the value of each stage of the process.
Marvin Lwasa, Masheda Holdings Executive Director explained that their catfish is farm-raised in an eco-friendly well established fish farm per International standards for farmed fish. âWe sustainably produce premium and organic catfish products while prioritizing environmental stewardship, aquaculture welfare, and customer satisfaction,â Marvin states.
Masheda Holdings Executive Director Marvin Lwasa explains to PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo about the packaging process
One aspect that particularly caught Rwabwogo’s attention was the Nkore Designs by Masheda, a workshop where single mothers create beautiful and high-quality crafts from reeds. “It is heartening to see the empowerment of these women, who are using their skills to produce such exquisite products,” he remarked.
Sherinah Nabakooza Ainembabazi, the CEO Finance, says that the Nkore Designs weaving project was born out of the trials faced by many during the COVID-19 country-wide lockdown. âAs many lost their jobs and incomes, the single mothers in and around the Buyala community needed to find a source of income to support themselves and their familiesâ.
Sherinah Nabakooza Ainembabazi, the CEO of Finance at Nkore Designs by Masheda (C)
âNkore Designs supports women by equipping them with a new skill set (weaving) that would also provide them with an income. Through NKORÃ Designs, we desire to create a sustainable livelihood and a sense of purpose for our surrounding community. Our mission for this business, especially through our impact arm, is to transform the women in our communities into empowered, informed and dignified women. A woman that is elevated and empowered enhances the quality of her own life, the life of her family, and her wider community.â
Odrek Rwabwogo with the single mothers of Nkore Designs by Masheda at the workshop
Rwabwogo expressed his appreciation for the Masheda Holdings team’s vision and execution, stating that the facility serves as a model for integrated agro-tourism hubs that can drive economic development and create sustainable livelihoods.
“This is the kind of forward-thinking, value-adding approach that we need to replicate and scale across the country,” Rwabwogo concluded. “Masheda Holdings is a shining example of what can be achieved when entrepreneurial spirit, technological innovation, and a focus on social impact come together.”
“On behalf of everyone at Masheda Holdings, we would like to extend our thanks to Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo & the PACEID team for taking the time to visit our facilities. Your presence was a great source of inspiration for our team. We deeply appreciate your unwavering commitment to the export promotion of Uganda’s products. Your tireless efforts in this regard are paving the way for producers and exporters like ourselves, and it is such a vision that encourages us to reach new heights. Thank you for your dedication and support, which not only enhances the visibility of Ugandan products on the global stage but also fosters a thriving environment for businesses like ours to grow and succeed.” says Marvin Lwasa, who also doubles as the Managing Director, Masheda Foods.
In a moving address, Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), challenged over 10,000 graduands from Ankole Region to embrace hard work, persistence, and a focus on value addition and above all, unity, as the cornerstones for sustainable economic growth and industrial development.
Addressing the gathering at the Booma Grounds, Mbarara City on Sunday, May 19, 2024, Rwabwogo commended the graduates for their achievements and encouraged them to see this milestone as the beginning of their journey towards contributing to the nation’s growth.
PACEID in partnership with the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) facilitated and certified over 10,000 individuals from all the districts of the Ankole Region with a modular category certificate. All these excelled in competence-based industrial assessment after six months.
The graduates were certified in the fields of tailoring, baking, coffee/pig/goat/cattle/bee farming, plumbing, motor vehicle/cycle mechanics, photography, soap and detergent making, dairy processing, mushroom farming, graphic design, computer application, carpentry, embroidery, music, leather design, and banana farming.
Rwabwogo, who arrived for the ceremony in the company of his wife, Patience Rwabwogo, stressed the importance of this training which is to enable more job creators rather than job seekers. âThe country has many younger people coming into the employment level but some are not employable. Just graduating doesn’t mean that you are employable, they need a special touch on skilling and attitude. The importance of this training and certification is that you go start your own business and hopefully deal in the 13 products we are involved in for export and hopefully we can catch you on standards, hopefully we can find you a buyer, hopefully we can finance the orders. You have to build each level in order to lead into another.â
He reiterated that it is not enough to merely produce urging the audience to add value to the products and services which enhances their competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
Rwabwogo also called for unity stating that individualism cannot create industry. âWe must work in unity because everybody wants to work on their own in our country. There is no success unless you really bring particular products to create industries. For example, the president launched here(Mbarara) a Tin factory not far from here a month ago. For you to succeed with tin, you must be assembling radios, laptops, and other things. But if you get tin and combine it with copper which we have, then you can make brass. Brass is what we use on bullets and vehicles etc. Industries have to be strong in order for investment to come in. You cannot have one company create an industry, it takes a lot of time. The point of unity is to help us create industries on value addition and processing of those things.â
He added, âBy collaborating, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can amplify our impact and drive Uganda’s industrial revolution forward.â
His words resonated with the graduates, who listened intently, inspired by his vision for a future where Uganda’s industries thrive on the foundations of skilled, dedicated, and innovative individuals.
DIT Director Dr. Patrick Byakatonda congratulated the graduates and encouraged them not to stop at this certificate but to aim higher by furthering their learning to fulfill Ugandaâs huge industrial capacity. âAs we think about the future, we must think about Uganda, our Nation has a huge industrial capacity with one of the most innovative workforces globally. I thank the stewardship of Odrek (Rwabwogo) for unleashing industrial potential for global excellence.â
PACEID Head of Secretariat, Matthew Bagonza expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in organizing the graduation. “I am grateful to all the stakeholders involved in organizing this remarkable event. This is a testament to the fruitful partnership between PACEID and DIT, which has empowered skilled individuals and certified them after thorough assessments upon completion of their training programs in their respective fields.â he said before taking the opportunity to communicate PACEIDâs mandate of boosting Ugandaâs exports and increasing foreign earnings by an extra USD 6Bn in the next five years and USD 100Bn by 2062.
Kole District Member of Parliament Hon. Opio Samuel Acuti applauded PACEID for the vital role it is playing in realizing the vision for a more industrialized and export-oriented Uganda. âWe are proud to support this initiative and witness the fruit of this partnership with the Directorate of Industrial Training. This is a momentous occasion for the Ankole region. These graduates represent the future leaders and innovators who will drive Uganda’s industrial and economic growth.”
At a press briefing this morning, Monday, April 29, 2024 at the Uganda Media Centre, Matthew Bagonza, the head of the Secretariat at the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), urged the private sector, particularly those in the tourism industry, to participate in the upcoming first edition of the Kampala City Marathon scheduled for December 2024.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang. The Kampala City Marathon is an initiative aimed at boosting tourism and investment in Uganda.
The Kampala City Marathon is being organized by the government through the Ministry of Education and Sports and PACEID in conjunction with the private sector to profile Ugandaâs socio-cultural and economic endowment. The marathon will also aim to promote the health of the population- through engagement in physical activity as a lifestyle to prevent non-communicable diseases.
Minister of State for education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang
In his remarks, Hon. Peter Ogwang revealed that the marathon is a ten-year project to brand Kampala City and Uganda as a preferred tourist destination as well as a strategy to generate revenue for the country.
âThe Kampala City Marathon is poised to be one of the top marathon races in Africa that will be key in helping our country attract tens of thousands of visitors to experience the best of the Ugandan spirit and hospitality. It will also offer us an opportunity to showcase our stellar long-distance running tradition and of course, celebrate the beauty and diversity that makes Uganda truly unique. We also have the added benefit of doing this while keeping our people fit and thus reducing the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases.â
Hon. Ogwang also thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is passionate about physical activity, for fully funding this first-ever edition of the Kampala City Marathon. âWe thank His Excellency the President for his support and commitment to the physical well-being of Ugandansâ.
The Kampala City Marathon will have four major races; 42.195km, 29.097km, 10km, and 5km. These events are expected to start and finish at the Mandela National Stadium and will be open to elite and regular local and foreign runners/joggers. The vision is to involve over 65, 0000 participants from all over the world in the 10 years.
Matthew Bagonza, PACEID Head of Secretariat
Bagonza, speaking at the briefing, emphasized the importance of the private sector’s involvement in the success of the Kampala City Marathon. “We are excited to be launching the first Kampala City Marathon that will debut in December 2024, and we are calling on the private sector, especially those in the tourism industry, to come on board and be part of this exciting event”.
PACEID under the leadership of Odrek Rwabwogo is working with several government departments to help drive up Ugandaâs export earnings through a multi-pronged approach, to increase export earnings to the country by more than 6 billion USD in the short to medium term and the Kampala City Marathon is one of such avenues.
Robert Verbeeck from Golazo will provide his vast experience in organizing international marathons
The idea is supported by the Commonwealth Secretary Generalâs Special Envoy for Sport, Enterprise and Development who is also the former Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Heritage and Culture, Amina Mohamed. Among her numerous wins are the revamped and very successful Kenya Safari Rally and the Nairobi City Marathon.
Former Cabinet Secretary Amina and her compatriot Ambassador Julius Kiema Kilonzo will be working with PACEID to help realize this dream. They will be supported by the Golazo team, a Belgian event management company with vast experience in organizing international marathons all over the world like; in Berlin, Nairobi, Rotterdam, and Brussels among others.
Robert Verbeeck from Golazo expressed confidence that the Kampala City Marathon will become a premier sporting event in the region, and also encouraged the private sector to get involved to make this a success.
The National Council of Sports and Uganda Athletics Federation are also involved in the organization to ensure that the marathon becomes a success.
The first edition of the Kampala City Marathon is scheduled to take place on the first weekend of December 2024, and organizers are expecting a strong turnout from both local and international participants.
