The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has today, at the Kampala Serena Hotel, announced the first Pan African Congress Business Forum and Expo (PACBFE) is set to take place from October 8-12, 2024 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The event is organized by PACEID in partnership with the Africa Global chamber of Commerce (AGCC), the private sector in Uganda and the United States, the event aims to enhance Uganda’s exports to the United States.

AGCC is led by Uganda’s Trade Representative in the United States.

Organized under the theme, “A Diaspora Homecoming: Navigating the Next 100 Years”, the event borrows from the historical Pan-African congresses to make a business case for Africa’s diaspora as the most pivotal economic growth agents over the next century. It further aims to leverage cross-Atlantic regulatory frameworks to strengthen engagements with multinational corporations and deepen partnerships with the African-American diaspora. On July 1, 2007, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said, “There is tremendous potential in Africa. Africa is a continent of the future. Just like India and China have become superpowers, in the next 25 years a lot of changes will have taken place.”

The event will be attended by business and government leaders from the East African region, plus the leading multinational agencies, financial institutions, experts in manufacturing, tourism, exports and trade from the rest of Africa. This will provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. The event will focus on identifying products and services in demand across US markets and exploring opportunities for sales and distribution.

PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo has reiterated the significance of accessing the US market for Uganda, citing it as the largest consumer market globally with a staggering $18 trillion economy. He emphasized the need to strengthen Uganda’s trade relations with the US, which in turn would help elevate Africa’s trade ties with the United States.

“This event will not only showcase the potential of Uganda’s exports to the United States but also facilitate discussions on how to further strengthen trade relations between the two countries. This is a platform where political, civil, and aid society leaders will converge to explore collaborative opportunities. Further, it will serve as a pivotal moment for Uganda’s global positioning, aimed at showcasing the country’s potential and capabilities to the world,” notes PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo.

Besides being a crucial step in strengthening Uganda’s ties across various sectors and supporting its efforts to re-enter the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) program, the event presents a unique opportunity for Ugandan businesses to discover connection points with the African diaspora in America and African Americans to develop commercial and strategic export partnerships.

The forum and expo will feature panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, providing participants with valuable insights and opportunities to connect with key stakeholders in the industry. Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements in the US market.

On the sidelines of the business forum, American participants will also visit what Uganda has to offer in terms of tourism, trade, and investment; UNESCO sites like Kasubi Tombs and the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Mweya Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Kira Motors factory, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Bujjagali falls and the Source of River Nile among others.

Present during the announcement were stakeholders from both the government and the private sector who expressed excitement in participating in this monumental business forum. Key among others were officials from the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda National Cultural Centre, Uganda Exim Limited, United Nations Development Program, East African Business Council, Adventure Consults Limited, Government Citizen Interaction Centre and the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development among others.

For more information about the Pan African Congress Business Forum and Expo, including registration details and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.paceid.org/pacbf.

PACEID was established to tackle the strategic and operational challenges that hinder Uganda’s capacity to maximize its industrial and export potential. By facilitating coordination among Ugandan exporters, producers, government institutions, and international stakeholders, PACEID strives to accelerate the nation’s export growth and industrial advancement.

During the Ambassadors Conference organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) at the Civil Service College Uganda in Jinja on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) Odrek Rwabwogo encouraged the ambassadors to do more to support Uganda’s export drive by getting more orders for Ugandan products from the countries they are deployed in.

PACEID was invited to make a presentation during a panel discussion on Uganda’s export promotion strategies and the disruptive nature of the committee’s work in expanding market influence at the event themed “Strengthening Governance and Performance of the Foreign Service for National Development”. Ambassadors and delegates convened to delve into the crucial matters regarding Uganda’s international trade and diplomatic initiatives.

“Bring us more orders from the countries to serve. The work we do is for the growth of the country and it is supported by the President.” Rwabwogo noted after breaking down the USD1.5 billion brought into the country’s economy in the last eighteen months from the seven markets where Uganda has appointed trade representatives. Uganda has Trade Representatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, the UK, USA, the Balkans, China, and Nigeria.

Rwabwogo’s presentation highlighted the importance of enhancing Uganda’s export sector to drive economic growth and foster sustainable development. He emphasized the need for robust strategies that harness Uganda’s rich resources and capabilities to expand its global market presence. He also shed light on PACEID’s strategic pillars of operation, focusing on markets, standards, infrastructure, and export financing.

The panel discussion sparked engaging dialogue among the diplomats, stimulating constructive exchange of ideas on how Uganda can leverage its foreign service to propel exports and propel national development forward.

Rwabwogo concluded his presentation with a six-step model for entry of Uganda’s products into international markets designed to boost the country’s exports. This model encompasses strategic interventions across various stages of the export value chain including value addition, regional markets, pockets of excellence, retail expansion, storage and logistics, and leveraging technology. All three are aimed at boosting Uganda’s export sector and achieve the USD 6 billion extra revenue by 2028 and USD 100 billion by 2062.

A team from DET Imports, an American company based in Detroit, comprised of Tambouridis Angela Elaine (Product Sourcing Analyst), Karboske Joel Nathan (Director), Alebiosu Lanre (Partner), and Oluwole Johnson Oluwaseto (Director) was in Uganda late last month (from July 28, 2024, to August 2, 2024). Facilitated by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), they visited over ten producers and exporters dealing in dried fruits, vanilla, Moringa, fish, macadamia nuts, coffee, and Banana flour among others to ascertain their capacity to supply the US market.

Some of the companies visited include; Amstus Farm, Discovery Group, Zahra Foods Industry, PIBID- BIRDC-makers of tooke flour, Miecca (U) Limited, Pure Grow, Masheda Mixed Farm, Amafh Farms, Raintree Farms, Fine Spinners, and JAHL Production (U) Ltd among others.

The visit led the American team to discover the quality and uniqueness of innovative Banana (tooke) products made by the Banana Industrial Research Development Centre (BIRDC) and iced expressos produced by JAHL Production (U)Ltd. This sparked off immediate interest to have these two and other Ugandan products in the American market. There is confirmed readiness by the parties involved to pursue partnerships.

At the end of their feasibility study, the DET Imports team had an opportunity to share some of their insights about Ugandan products and their commitment to expanding markets and creating new opportunities for their partners in Uganda. Below is their brief conversation with PACEID’s Communications Officer Rowland Bon Nkahebwa.

What were some of the key factors that influenced your decision to consider Ugandan products for your imports?

We had an opportunity, an introduction to Uganda and what it has to offer and it was enticing to come and see, and once we came here, we saw the abundance of products and the opportunity.

PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo’s trip to Detroit influenced our decision. At first, we didn’t even understand all the opportunities in Uganda. We first came here in February 2024. After that, we assembled our team to come back and we knew we wanted to work with Ugandans and import their products. We think there a real story here, and we can help from the farmer all the way to our retailers and make an impact here.

What are the key factors that differentiate Ugandan products from other potential sources and make them attractive for import to the US market?

When we visited the farms, it was educating how the products are made. Like in the USA, you might find 1000 acres from one farmer but in Uganda, it is everywhere on a small acre where they do everything from seed, there are not a lot of pesticides, and everything is real, green, and organic. The environment here, being on the equator and having a 365-day farming season. Those are some of the key factors, it is a better product than other places we have been.

Also, we want to do business with the country and be involved with a country that takes care of its people. We want to be involved with those types of businesses and suppliers as well.

Can you provide an overview of the type of Ugandan products that DET Imports is currently seeking to import for its warehouse in Detroit?

We are going to be starting with coffee, not just your green and roasted coffees but some different types of products from coffee that we don’t want to get into right now. Also macadamia nuts, dried fruits, vanilla, banana flour, textiles, and moringa oils. Those are the ones we are focusing on right now. We are going to support the creatives as much as possible too. The basket-weaving women we visited at Nkore Designs by Masheda, Discreet, and others.

What specific unique features did you observe in the products from the exporting companies and farms you visited in Uganda?

The quality of the products, from the farm, they are natural, and the taste of their organic and sustainable farming practices. Training the community, training different farmers, you see the love that goes into it into the quality of the products.

Having some of the larger suppliers that we toured coming up with training programs and actually teaching farmers what to do, and the biggest part is buying their products. Knowing that the product is already sold takes away the worry to provide for their families and eases the process of going into the next season.

What are some of the challenges/obstacles you might have encountered during your visit to the different farms and suppliers in terms of sourcing products?

Some of the suppliers are smaller and they are not currently exporting up to speed on different requirements, from potentially large orders, there might be a bit little bit more time to get them up to speed. But there are good plans in place for those suppliers, a lot of them have a future vision of where they can go. You know Uganda is still new, they are not China or Mexico and we don’t want them to be. So, they are not up to those volumes yet but we see the potential and see that they can handle the capacity. But it also comes down to operational capital for whoever is doing the production and we think that could be a problem because they go and buy a new machine because their interest rates are 23-33 percent in the bank and this takes away all their profits. It is harder for them to borrow money, so I think PACEID is working well with them, helping them to obtain their goal through invoice financing from UG EXIM if they have an order so they can supply it properly and on time.  

What strategies do you have in place to handle potential challenges related to logistics, regulations, or quality control when importing products from Uganda?

Education. So, working with their suppliers upfront to make sure that the understanding is there. The travel that we do by coming here, reaching out to our resources to make sure that they can go and work with the suppliers. So we train them to make sure that they are equipped. Logistics-wise, we work together, we use brokers who can help with their transactions, for ourselves and suppliers, and also provide knowledge.

Every aspect of the shipping is important too, to ensure everything is on time and actually gets there without being spoiled or damaged. So, right from the farm, the product has to be refrigerated to make sure the temperatures are there, implement GPS systems and temperature controls that can be monitored from our offices and our cellphones, and just get up to speed on technology which we are in process of doing and we are working with everybody to get this accomplished.

What specific factors or qualities are you looking for in Ugandan products to ensure they meet the standards for importing and stocking in your warehouse in Detroit? 

We kind of live in the US and have worked in the retail business for fifteen years, we just kind of feel we know the needs of the American market. We can bring in better products from Uganda that the Americans will consume. So, we know we can recognize the trends and what is missing from our American market, not just fresh foods because a lot of these we already have there but different products we don’t have access to like the Moringas, real natural products that provide benefits, the Matooke (banana) flour. There are a lot of gluten allergies or digestive issues that we are facing in the US, so that is one product to add to the market and fill a void of gluten-free products.

So we are really looking at a lot of those products and in addition to others and what Americans are missing and what we can take there. One thing we have done is teach the Americans and show them what they need and put in their face. That is why we created a green room in our warehouse where we are going to be shooting content and showing people what banana flour can do, bringing local cooks and chefs and cook with Ugandan products, and doing presentations in different restaurants. Lanre, our business partner is in the fashion industry, he does a segment on TV every month regarding what’s new in Detroit, and what’s new in the US. So we want to take the products to the US and show them what it can do for them. This right here will create a need in the US market for banana flour.

Could you elaborate on the potential economic and social impact of importing Ugandan products to your warehouse in Detroit?

Long-term, if Uganda’s exports go up, there is obviously a higher demand, and with that comes the need to automate their facilities and have machinery that can handle large volumes. This reduces the manual labor and bumps up the skill level of the employees to now have to know how to operate and fix machines. That is one area that could be impacted.

How has your collaboration with the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development impacted your visit to Uganda and the selection of Ugandan products for import?

We probably wouldn’t be here in Uganda if it wasn’t for PACEID. They have been very instrumental, not only in coordinating meetings with suppliers and government agencies but helping us understand Uganda and how things work and getting us to the right people. This would have taken us ten times as long to get to where we are right now, so expediting our business development tremendously would be a good way to summarize it in a few words.

PACEID has helped us widen our outreach by streamlining the process to help us get to where we need to be.

Lastly, a lot has been said about Uganda out there, what is your assessment of Uganda compared to before you visited?

Uganda is a beautiful country, people are happy, and we feel well-received here. We enjoy Uganda and are looking forward to more productive trips. Due to time, we did not get the chance to visit some of the amazing tourist destinations, but next time we shall make sure to do so.

The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), together with the National Strategic Communication Committee, has successfully facilitated an interview between China Global Television Network (CGTN) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to discuss the growing trade relations between Uganda and China. This interview, that will air on the Leaders Talk segment, is part of a larger plan to have President Museveni engage in four interviews before this year ends with international media in different export markets to promote Ugandan products and attract foreign investment.

CGTN is one of three branches of the state-run China Media Group and the international division of China Central Television (CCTV). As of February 5, 2024, CCTV was the leading television station in China with media platforms hosting over 115 million active users and watched by up to 1.5 billion people worldwide.

CGTN Leaders Talk Anchor Wang Guan conducted the interview assisted by the crew; Zhang Yajing, Liu Yuhao and Zheng Hao.

The decision to start with China is strategic, as the country is preparing to set up a Uganda Trade Hub in China, and has appointed a Trade Representative to assist Ugandan exporters with market surveys and information on market trends. This move has already shown promising results, with orders for 2000MT of Ugandan sim-sim and cassava flour from China worth billions of dollars which President Museveni has applauded.

Trade Representatives are charged with supporting the country to handle the four key pillars in their markets. These are dealing with critical compliance measures such as food safety standards that impede Ugandan exports in the regional and international markets, finding new ways and means to approach both old and new markets that take Uganda’s products, coordinating the use and management of exit/border infrastructure such as warehousing, laboratories, cold rooms and bring them into conformity with the needs of the exporters and to lead the process for creation of an export credit fund that will de-risk entry of Ugandan products in foreign markets.

During the interview conducted at State House, Nakasero, on Thursday, July 8, 20204, President Museveni highlighted the importance of the growing partnership between Uganda and China, emphasizing the potential for increased trade and investment between the two countries. The President’s engagement with international media is part of a larger effort by PACEID to promote Ugandan products, increase the country’s presence in key export markets, and ultimately grow the country’s foreign earnings.

The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has reached out to local leaders starting with Acholi Sub-Region for collaborative efforts to enhance the region’s agricultural sector and meet international market demands. Led by Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, they delivered an informative presentation at the Bomah Hotel in Gulu City, focusing on the production and sourcing of agricultural export products to key stakeholders in the Acholi Sub-Region. In the session, Rwabwogo emphasized the importance of implementing responsible agricultural practices to maximize export potential and promote sustainable growth.

During the presentation, Rwabwogo highlighted the significance of adopting upstream and midstream models in agricultural production and sourcing. “By incorporating these models, stakeholders can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and mitigate the risk of engaging in unethical practices.”

Rwabwogo urged the audience, which included local leaders; Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) from Regional District Commissioners (RDCs), Assistant RDCs, Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), and Mayors to prioritize transparency, accountability, and compliance with standards to avoid misconduct and ensure the success of agricultural exports.

This activity took place on the sidelines of the district local leaders’ week-long retreat organized by the Office of the President about mindset change and empowerment to perform better at the district level. The local leaders had gathered to engage, remind themselves of their core mandate, equip themselves with more appropriate tools for service delivery, effectively represent the central government, and prioritize government projects to achieve the country’s ultimate goal of socio-economic transformation.   

PACEID’s presentation served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among key players in the agricultural sector, creating a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges in exporting agricultural products.

Brenda Opus Katarikawe, PACEID Markets Team Lead appealed to the local leaders for support regarding three key aspects;

-Agricultural production data collection by identifying credible farmers, exporters, and aggregators.

-Identifying credible suppliers of agricultural products for export given that PACEID is talking to credible buyers.

-Support in terms of standards enforcement and drive to be able to do it continuously and sustainably.

“Let us work together to enforce post-handling standards to ensure quality production. Quality products minimize rates of interceptions which are costly but most importantly create a bad reputation for Uganda on the international market.” Katarikawe noted.

She reiterated PACEID’s efforts to create food safety laws that will improve the standards of agricultural products to meet regional and international levels. This is being worked on in partnership with relevant government institutions and the private sector.

By Emmanuel Kironde

In an exciting development, Rev. Prof. Florence Muranga, Director General of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), has secured a strategic collaboration with DET Imports, a U.S.-based import company. This partnership aims to bring the unique qualities of TOOKE Flour to households and commercial markets across the United States.

A team from DET Imports comprised of Tambouridis Angela Elaine, Karboske Joel Nathan, Alebiosu Lanre, and Oluwole Johnson Oluwaseto were in Uganda from July 28, 2024, to August 2, 2024 and visited over ten producers and exporters dealing in dried fruits, vanilla, Moringa, macadamia nuts and Banana flour among others to ascertain their capacity to supply the US market.

Some of the companies visited include; Amstus Farm, Discovery Group, Zahra Foods Industry, PIBID- BIRDC-makers of Tooke flour, Miecca (U) Limited, Masheda Mixed Farm, Amafh Farms, Fine Spinners and JAHL Production (U) Ltd among others.

TOOKE Flour, known for its exceptional quality and diverse applications, is on the brink of making its debut in the competitive U.S. market. DET Imports, with its extensive experience and established distribution channels, is set to play a critical role in introducing this innovative product to American consumers and businesses.

Rev. Prof. Florence Muranga emphasized the significance of this partnership which will pave the way for a flourishing relationship while introducing a product that embodies quality and versatility.

The discussions and arrangements leading to this collaboration have been fruitful, with the teams from PACEID and DET Imports working diligently to ensure a seamless integration of TOOKE Flour into the existing marketplace. The final stages of negotiation focus on distribution logistics, marketing strategies, and the introduction plan that aligns effectively with consumer trends.

With its unique nutritional profile and adaptability in various culinary applications, TOOKE Flour is poised to meet the growing demand for quality food products in the U.S. market. From baking to cooking, this flour is designed to cater to both home cooks and professional chefs, offering a superior alternative to conventional flour products.

Tambouridis Angela Elaine, the DET Imports Chief Supply Chain Officer is optimistic that TOOKE Flour will not only enhance the culinary options available to consumers but also contribute to the diversification of food imports in the U.S.

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.

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, “I 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.”

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 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 Uganda’s 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 ‘Coffee Culture’ 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 Uganda’s 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 cooperative’s Secretary expressed gratitude to Rwabwogo and his team during the meeting stating that PACEID’s initiatives align with Bulemezi Heritage Coffee Cooperatives Union’s goal. “We are excited and working towards making this partnership a reality.”

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.

By Rowland Bon Nkahebwa

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 country’s production. “Strong leadership is essential for creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and for promoting economic growth”.

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.

“By 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.

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. “The 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.”

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. “We 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.”

He added, “By collaborating, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can amplify our impact and drive Uganda’s industrial revolution forward.”

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 Uganda’s huge industrial capacity. “As 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.”

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.” he said before taking the opportunity to communicate PACEID’s mandate of boosting Uganda’s 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. “We 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.”