KAMPALA, March 10, 2026 — Stakeholders in Uganda’s enterprise support ecosystem will on Friday convene in Kampala for a dialogue aimed at advancing the formation of the country’s first all-inclusive association for Business Development Services [ BDS ] providers.
The breakfast meeting, scheduled to take place at Hotel Africana, is being organised by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives [MTIC] in collaboration with partners including Agribusiness Market Ecosystem Alliance [AMEA], African Management Institute, Private Sector Foundation Uganda and Enterprise Uganda.
According to Johnson Abitekaniza, the Assistant Commissioner Training and Business Skills Development in MTIC, the meeting seeks to discuss the formation of a national umbrella body for BDS providers, known as United Business Support Professionals Uganda Ltd [UBSP], an initiative intended to strengthen support services for micro, small and medium enterprises [MSMEs], including agribusiness SMEs.
Abitekanize says the initiative is part of broader efforts to streamline the business development services landscape in Uganda to ensure easier access to affordable and sustainable advisory support for enterprises.
The proposed association aims to unite and professionalise BDS providers by strengthening their capacity, promoting and enforcing quality standards, encouraging self-regulation and fostering collaboration among service providers.
It is also expected to help deliver more impactful support that can enhance the sustainability, resilience and inclusive growth of small businesses across the country.
The organisers say the association will further draw lessons from successful models implemented locally and internationally, bringing BDS providers under one umbrella to strengthen their collective capacity and engagement with government and development partners.
Officials note that the move will help build a vibrant and sustainable enterprise support ecosystem capable of addressing the evolving needs of Uganda’s MSME sector.
During the dialogue, participants will review key milestones achieved in efforts to strengthen the national BDS ecosystem and identify priority areas where stakeholders can make practical commitments to support the initiative.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute ideas on how the national BDS providers’ association should be structured, governed and supported as a key vehicle for professionalising BDS delivery in Uganda.
In addition, discussions will focus on tracking, documenting and sharing lessons and best practices emerging from different BDS interventions.
Abitekaniza says the engagement will help align stakeholders and strengthen collaboration in promoting effective business development support services for enterprises across the country.
https://thecooperator.news/unbs-eagc-train-msmes-on-standards-and-quality-control/
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