The government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with manufacturers to accelerate industrialisation, expand exports and create jobs as part of Uganda’s ambition to achieve a ten-fold economic growth.
During a meeting with the Uganda Manufacturers Association on Friday, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi, accompanied by Ministers Amos Lugoloobi and Cissy Mulondo, said the manufacturing sector remains central to the government’s economic transformation agenda.
Minister Musasizi said manufacturing is a key driver of production, employment, exports and domestic revenue mobilisation, adding that strengthening the sector would also reduce Uganda’s reliance on external borrowing.
He said the government will continue investing in peace and security, transport and energy infrastructure, supportive policies, market access and a stable investment climate to enable industries to grow and remain competitive.
UMA chairman Aga Sekalala Jr said the manufacturing sector contributes more than 16.5 per cent of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product, employs about two million people directly, accounts for a quarter of the country’s manufactured exports and generates more than one-third of domestic tax revenue.
He described manufacturers as strategic partners in Uganda’s economic transformation and called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Finance through the establishment of a joint technical coordination committee to enhance dialogue and ensure early consultation on fiscal, tax and economic policies.
The association also presented its “Big Five Agenda”, highlighting key priorities including reducing energy costs, improving industrial infrastructure, increasing access to affordable financing, expanding market access, addressing skills shortages and easing trade facilitation challenges.
Both the government and UMA pledged to strengthen public-private partnerships, saying closer cooperation is critical to boosting industrial growth, creating jobs, expanding exports and building a resilient economy.
