Day One of the Equity Investors’ Trade Mission to Uganda began with immersive field visits to local enterprises that are redefining Uganda’s industrial landscape, highlighting the country’s potential in agribusiness, steel, and textiles.
The first stop was Tambiisa Uganda Limited, a vanilla processing and export company located in Lugga Zone, Ndejje Division, Makindye-Ssabagabo in Wakiso District. Founded in 2009, Tambiisa is now among Uganda’s top two vanilla exporters, thanks in part to startup capital and ongoing support from Equity Bank Uganda.
Led by CEO Isa Tamale, delegates toured the company’s state-of-the-art processing facility and learned how Tambiisa sources premium vanilla from over 8,000 farmers across 38 districts.
The firm exports high-grade dried and powdered vanilla to markets in the USA, UK, France, Germany, South Africa, Mauritius, and Madagascar. The company currently employs 25 permanent staff and 340 casual workers, contributing significantly to Uganda’s export economy.
The next visit took place at Doshi Steel, a major player in Uganda’s steel and hardware sector, located in Bugolobi. CEO Naveen Krishnan welcomed the delegation, highlighting the company’s wide product portfolio, which includes steel goods, electrical accessories, Marley Gutter systems, plumbing materials, PVC tiles, galvanised and aluminium sheets, and stainless steel products.
“We serve a broad market base including wholesalers and end users, especially in the agro-processing and oil & gas sectors,” Krishnan explained, emphasising Doshi’s contribution to infrastructure development in Uganda and the wider region.
The final stop was at Fine Spinners Uganda Limited, one of the only two textile manufacturing companies in the country. Situated on Spring Road in Bugolobi, the firm employs over 1,300 workers, the majority of whom are women.
Fine Spinners partners with the Government of Uganda to produce uniforms for the military and Ministry of Health personnel, while also expanding into export markets in the USA, Denmark, and France.
During the visit, Peter Musau Muindi, the company’s Chief Accounting Officer, praised Equity Bank’s financing solutions: “The high cost of finance has been a major challenge, but Equity’s Agriculture Credit Facility has supported our growth initiatives.”
He also highlighted the need for greater investment in the sector: “Uganda has only two textile factories, and we’re currently using just 10% of the country’s cotton. With more investment in machinery and production, we can expand the industry, create jobs, and contribute more meaningfully to economic growth.”
Barbara Aseera, Relationship Manager at Equity Bank Corporate, underscored the bank’s commitment to boosting Uganda’s manufacturing sector:
“Uganda has the raw materials and the workforce—it just needs capital to unlock its full potential. Through missions like this and tailor-made financing options, we are connecting local businesses to global investors.”
The delegation also visited Microheam Scientifics and Medical Supplies Ltd in Ntinda—one of Uganda’s top medical equipment manufacturers. Founded in 2012, Microheam aims to enhance healthcare access and reduce medical import costs.
The team was introduced by Martin Abooki, Sector Head of Health at Equity Bank, who thanked Microheam for being a reliable and long-standing partner. “We appreciate the trust Microheam has placed in us over the years,” he said.
Acting Managing Director Nathan Barigye credited Equity Bank for its consistent support, which has enabled the company’s expansion, including a new facility in Namanve. “We are fortunate to have a strong partnership with Equity Bank, which has supported us on our journey of growth and expansion.”
Microheam plans to begin producing medical test kits and vaccines by November 2025 and create over 2,000 jobs, further boosting Uganda’s healthcare sector and export potential.
The company also intends to produce plastic medical accessories locally to reduce reliance on costly and unreliable imports. “COVID-19 taught us hard lessons. Since then, we can’t stop thinking about medical solutions — it keeps us awake,” Barigye said.
The Equity Investors’ Trade Mission is part of the broader Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) by Equity Group, aimed at strengthening regional value chains and stimulating cross-border trade and investment across Africa.
The two-day mission continues tomorrow with a high-level forum bringing together investors, government officials, and private sector leaders for dialogue and deal-making opportunities.
