The Uganda Manufactures Association, has launched the 13th Eastern Region Trade fair which will take place from June 14-23, 2024 at Mbale SS Grounds.
This year’s trade fair theme, “Facilitating BUBU through Innovation and Value Addition” aims to highlight the role of science, technology and innovation to drive growth of locally made products.
The ERTF is a flagship regional business development event, attracting over 300 manufacturers, traders, and distributors from diverse business sectors and an average of 50,000 visitors from Mbale, Jinja, Soroti, Iganga, Tororo and surrounding areas.
According to Eddie Ssenkumba Chairman, Communication, Marketing and Events Committee, the trade fair, is organized to promote locally manufactured products, provide a platform for brand exposure and connection to consumers, facilitate Business to Business linkages (B2B) whereby the ERTF brings manufacturers and suppliers of products from all sectors under one platform.
He added that the trade fair will also provide product launch opportunities in the Eastern Region: “For any business that wishes to introduce a new product to a bigger audience, the ERTF is the ultimate opportunity which makes the face-to-face interaction possible, among others.”
This year’s trade fair has attracted 271 exhibitors, where 13 are Foreign Exhibitors from Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and Tanzania.
He revealed that in an effort to grow women entrepreneurs in Mbale, Jinja, Iganga, Soroti, Tororo and neighbouring districts, UMA has designated exhibition space specifically for them to showcase their products during the Eastern Region Trade Fair.
As part of the activities, UMA also launched a marathon slated for June 15, 2024 at the Mbale S.S. Grounds.
The proceeds from this marathon will be used to support Mbale Referral Hospital. Running kits go for only Uganda 10,000 shillings.