Maganjo Grain Millers, an agro-processing company based in Maganjo, Wakiso, has appealed to members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to enact laws that will expand market access for locally manufactured products across the East African region.
The appeal was made during the 2026 East African Community (EAC) Parliamentary Week held at the Parliament.
Speaking to Bbeg Media, the company’s marketing agent, Sumayiyah Nakato, said regional legislators should prioritise laws that promote free movement of goods and remove barriers that continue to hinder cross-border trade.
“We ask our members of the East African Legislative Assembly to legislate for better market access and ensure the transportation of our goods across the region without unnecessary interference,” Nakato said.
She said although the company continues to meet demand within Uganda, it is eager to expand into regional markets including Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, the DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia.
According to Nakato, access to these markets would increase exports, create more employment opportunities for Ugandans and boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
She said the company produces maize-based products that are in high demand across the region and believes wider market access would also contribute to improved food security.
Nakato added that increased exports of maize flour and animal feeds would help address malnutrition among children while supporting livestock production through a reliable supply of quality animal feed.
Her appeal comes at a time when Uganda’s exports to the East African Community continue to face several challenges.
Among the key obstacles are limited export diversification, low productivity, high costs of doing business and weak export promotion efforts.
Traders also continue to face disruptions caused by political instability in some regional markets, as well as natural disasters such as floods and prolonged droughts.
Manufacturers say addressing these challenges and strengthening regional trade integration would help Ugandan businesses compete more effectively while unlocking the full potential of the East African Community common market.
