East African Gazette
Kampala
The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industries last celebrated 90 years of existence with a call to Ugandan business community to produce quality products to be able to compete in African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)and global market
“East African have over 300 million with a Gross Domestic Product of $305b (about sh1.126 trillion) and African 1.3 billion people with GDP OF US$ 3.4 trillion (UGX 3.4 trillion) so if Ugandans produce quality products, the market is wide” said Olive Kigongo, the President of Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI).
Kigongo made the call during the annual general meeting and celebration of 90 years of UNCCI existence at Fair Way Hotel on Friday December 15, 2023.
She said the private sector plays a vital role in economic growth, creating job opportunities for people, providing goods and services, stimulating economic growth and source of tax revenue for governments.
Kigongo commended President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the private sector in his effort to strengthen the country’s economic growth.
“Because of President Museveni’s support to the private sector and ensuring peace in the country, created a conducive environment for doing businesses and making Uganda a number one business destination Kigongo noted.
She noted before the National Resistance Movement came to power in 1986, Uganda had only 81 factories, but because of the conducive environment, good policies and laws, Uganda now has over 8,000 operational industries in various sectors across the country.
She said the electricity generation capacity has also increased from 150 MW in 1986 to 2040 MW by April 2019, tax collection also grew from shs.5 billion in 1986 to shs 27 trillion to date, economic growth averaging 6.5% since 1986.
According Kigongo, said UNCCI started in1933 and spanning 90 years is a great milestone not only to chamber but also to country saying, the Chamber has played a pivotal role in shaping the business landscape of the country operating with a commitment of excellence
“UNCCI has consistently provided indispensable services to the private sector, acting as a catalyst for growth and prosperity” she noted.
Francis Mwebesa, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives applauded UNCCI for promoting the private sector, saying Private sector is the catalyst for the country’s growth. He noted that although the US revealed plans to expel Uganda from African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) over the violations of internationally recognized human rights, the Government, especially President Museveni, is in talks with the US Government.
Mwebesa who was represented by Zackey Kabega, the Commissioner Internal trade, ministry Trade, industry and cooperatives called upon the business community to maintain standard and tap into other markets like South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria among others.
Kabega noted, the country has achieved national security and national unity, which did not exist before 1986, and advised them to embrace Uganda’s products BUBU, Pan-Africanism of BABA, Buy Africa Build Africa.
“You have the responsibility to strengthen the capacity building and continues to sustain a positive policy dialogue with Government on behalf of the private sector, market competitiveness nationally” Kabega advised
During the celebration, individuals, companies such as Uganda Registration Services Bureau, (URSB) Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Halal Bureau Uganda and others were recognized for the good working relationship with the Chambers
In attendance Erhan Gokce, chief Commercial Counsellor Turkish Embassy in Kampala, Bilal A Mohsin, the deputy High commissioner Parkstain Embassy in Uganda, and members of UNCCI across the Country.