Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo appeared on the Capital Gang talk show on Capital Radio today morning, Saturday, May 3, 2025, to explain the mandate and work of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), address persistent misinformation, and share updates on Uganda’s export performance. Others on the show were; Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Human Rights activist Agather Atuhaire, John Kakungulu Walugembe, a business executive and economist, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto and Oskar Semweya Musoke, host.
Rwabwogo used the platform to directly address false claims that PACEID received UGX 37 billion intended for coffee sector interventions. “PACEID did not receive a single coin of that money. The funds were received by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and disbursed to one company. That company is known and should be held accountable,” he said.
Odrek Rwabwogo Chairman PACEID speaking during the show
“It is important that you hold these institutions accountable. I came here because I want to be accountable for my work. The work I do to try and create jobs for young people, help firms, despite the insults”, he adds.
He clarified that PACEID had initially proposed a fund to support multiple sectors beyond coffee, but the idea did not materialize. “Should we stop helping other firms? No. The objective is to support companies to become export-ready.”
Tangible Export Gains
Highlighting PACEID’s results, Rwabwogo said Uganda has secured export orders worth USD 460 million across twelve sectors over the past two years. “These orders must be fulfilled by people, by companies. We help these firms meet standards, get certification, and access funding.”
He noted that awareness is driving export growth. “In markets like the USA, we targeted cities such as Detroit, Chicago, and Aurora. We are now in the process of exporting 230,000 units of roasted, ready-to-drink espresso coffee. Our Trade Representatives are embedded in these markets, working directly with supermarkets and local media to build Uganda’s presence.”
Rwabwogo emphasized that building an export ecosystem is just as important as shipping products. “It’s about creating a national brand and a reliable export system.”
On Labour and Policy
Addressing concerns on unemployment and labour, Rwabwogo challenged the narrative: “Uganda doesn’t have a labour problem, it has a problem of poor thinking. Each sector must be enabled to perform its role effectively.”
He also outlined PACEID’s four-pillar model: Market Access requires Standards, Standards requires Infrastructure, and Infrastructure demands Financing. These elements, he said, are deeply interconnected and must be tackled as a system.
Support and Acknowledgement
Also on the panel from the private sector, Mr. John Kakungulu Walugembe, a business expert and economist commended PACEID’s efforts in revitalizing Uganda’s export sector. “We must give credit where it is due. PACEID has contributed significantly through market research and support to local exporters. Export awareness is higher today than ever before.”
John Kakungulu Walugembe making his submission
Walugembe also stressed the importance of services exports and the need to leverage regional trade blocs like AfCFTA and COMESA. “We must also manage our national image. You can’t promote tourism or attract buyers when your local media damages the country’s reputation.”
Future Focus
Looking ahead, Rwabwogo revealed that PACEID is working to establish regional industrial parks that will support aggregation, data analytics, and trade facilitation. “We are raising money externally to build aggregation centers for key products. Uganda has signed 45 trade agreements, we must now actively leverage them.”