Preparations for the 2025 Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Expo have been officially launched today with a call for local manufacturers to be innovative.
The function was presided over by the minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero.
The annual exhibition, which will take place from October 2 to October 12 is expected to attract thousands of attendees, including exhibitors from abroad. Organizers said it will also serve as a platform to showcase innovation and local products.
Dr. Musenero urged manufacturers to embrace new technologies to enhance innovation. She also emphasized the need to develop local brands that can compete in the international market.
“As a country, our manufactured goods have struggled to penetrate the global market. If our products are well-packaged, I am confident they can become competitive brands,” she said.
In a related development, Moses Byarugaba, the head of the team organizing the expo, announced plans to establish a one-stop supermarket dedicated to selling locally manufactured Ugandan goods. This initiative, driven by the ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, aims to promote local products and encourage Ugandans to support homegrown brands.
Meanwhile, UMA chairman Aga Sekalala Jr said they were set for the expo. However, he highlighted a significant challenge facing manufacturers: high electricity tariffs. Sekalala noted that these costs pose a major obstacle to the industry and urgently need to be addressed.
