The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has announced the resumption of the annual Uganda International Trade Fair.
The trade fair was halted for the last two years following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference held at UMA Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala, the UMA Chairman, Deo Kayemba, said the uniqueness of the trade fair is that it will focus on business-to-consumer interaction and the uniquely Ugandan tradition of experiencing the product before purchase.
Kayemba further explained that the fair will cast a spotlight on the industrialists, who, even as they were negatively affected by the economic crisis, exhibited resilience and played an essential role in the COVID-19 response and recovery.
He revealed that this year’s theme, “Business Recovery by Harnessing Local Sourcing and Deepening Value Chain Integration,” doubles as a call to the government and the general public to support local companies as a catalyst for full economic recovery.
Daniel Birungi, the UMA Executive Director, said the objective of the fair is to put a spotlight on the growth in locally manufactured products and highlight innovations and developments that have arisen in the manufacturing space over the last two years, among others.
The fair will also be used to highlight market opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and how manufacturers and business people in Uganda can benefit from these.
“In recognition of the innovations that have come out of the country, this year’s fair will provide an in-depth look at among others; the budding electric mobility industry in Uganda that has received global recognition. Show guests will have an opportunity to try out electric motorbikes made in Uganda as they share experiences from the manufacturers,” Birungi said.
At the Fair set for October 3-12, over 100 international exhibitors, and over 1,000 local exhibitors are expected with over 20 country pavilions.