KAMPALA, October 9, 2025 –- The Uganda Manufacturers Association [UMA], the umbrella body for local manufacturers, has called for the new comprehensive cross-border trade policies to address persistent challenges that hinder access to regional and international markets.
Despite Uganda’s membership in key economic blocs such as the East African Community [EAC] and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa [COMESA], many local manufacturers continue to face difficulties accessing Partner State markets, even after complying with established safety and quality standards.
UMA Chairperson, Aga Ssekalala Jr., urges the Ugandan government to work with other Partner States in the economic blocs to address the non-tariff barriers [NTBs] that obstruct regional trade, in order to facilitate smoother access for Ugandan products to regional markets.
“Ugandan traders have repeatedly faced trade restrictions, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, the neighbouring EAC Partner States, despite the operationalisation of the Common Market Protocol, which is meant to allow free movement of goods across common borders,” Ssekalala says.
Speaking at the ongoing 31st Uganda International Trade Fair held at UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo, Ssekalala noted that restrictive bilateral agreements continue to limit market access for Ugandan goods, especially within the EAC and COMESA regions. He called for concerted efforts to eliminate NTBs and ensure a fairer trading environment.
The manufacturers also underscored the urgent need for improved transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods to border points.
“Poor road conditions on major routes leading to the borders have caused significant delays, impacting the timely delivery of products,” Ssekalala remarked.
He further urged the government to implement policies aimed at limiting the importation of products already manufactured locally, saying such measures would promote Ugandan-made goods and strengthen the domestic manufacturing sector.
In response, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the manufacturing sector, acknowledging its vital role in the national economy.
“The manufacturing sector contributes 25.4 percent to the national treasury and 30.7 percent to overall revenue, making it a key pillar of Uganda’s economic development,” Minister Kasaija said.
The trade fair attracted over 500 exhibitors from Uganda and other countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, and Ethiopia, showcasing a diverse range of industrial products.
The event also celebrated excellence in the manufacturing industry, with outstanding companies such as Thembo Factory, Mandela Group, and Roseform receiving awards for their exceptional contributions to Uganda’s economy.
https://thecooperator.news/umas-eastern-region-trade-fair-ongoing-in-mbale-city/
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