Ministry of Trade Ug

“Government, through UDC, has so far invested UGX 26 billion in Masheda. As we celebrate UDC’s 10 years, we are demonstrating to Parliament and the country that the money appropriated for investment is delivering tangible results,” Hon. Bahati said. UDC Board Chairperson Godfrey Ruhurira said the partnership strengthens the aquaculture value chain, building on Masheda’s network of nearly 800 fish farmers with over 2,000 ponds. UDC has supported upgrades to fish-processing facilities and equipment for the new factory. The aqua feeds plant will have an installed capacity of eight tonnes per hour, while the Black Soldier Fly facility will process 30 tonnes of organic waste daily into alternative protein ingredients, potentially reducing feed manufacturing costs by up to 50 per cent. Masheda Board Chairperson Anne Esther Ampumuza said the investment would create jobs, support farmers and promote environmentally sustainable industrial development.

He emphasised that Uganda must move beyond subsistence farming and the sale of unprocessed agricultural produce, noting that farmers should become active participants in profitable and sustainable value chains. “Our ambition must go beyond producing agricultural commodities for subsistence or selling unprocessed produce at low prices. We must increasingly link agriculture to manufacturing, agro-processing, value addition and organised markets,” Hon. Tanna said. The Minister commended Nile Breweries Limited and Agro Ways Limited for their partnership with farmers, saying the collaboration demonstrates how agriculture and industry can create shared economic opportunities. He urged farmers to organise themselves into strong producer groups and cooperatives, observe recommended production standards and consistently supply quality produce.

Speaking at the event, UDC Executive Director Dr. Patrick Birungi said the investment was intended to build local manufacturing capacity for medical supplies traditionally imported into Uganda. He noted that the investment had strengthened the company’s production capacity, supported employment and enhanced Uganda’s ability to meet domestic demand while reducing dependence on imported medical gloves. EAMV management appreciated Government and UDC for the investment, revealing that it had enabled the company to optimise its operations and achieve profitability. The company grew from an initial production capacity of 36 million pairs to approximately 80 million pairs of gloves annually.

Stakeholders were also encouraged to explore opportunities for supplying products and services to Uganda’s growing oil and gas sector, while considering alternative energy sources to reduce reliance on electricity and improve production efficiency. The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s manufacturing sector, promote responsible industrial practices, expand market opportunities and drive sustainable industrial growth.

“Whatever is coming from here is scientifically proven, robust and improved. This is the way forward,” Hon. Tanna said, citing India’s 20 per cent ethanol blending experience as an example for Uganda. Bukona has a production capacity of approximately 100,000 litres daily and has blended over 460 million litres of fuel, contributing to a petroleum sector that consumes approximately 2.5 billion litres annually. Hon. Tanna commended the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) for its equity participation and enterprise rejuvenation support, describing the investment as evidence that patient capital can develop enterprises and strengthen local investment.

The bank presented its proposed USD 500 million portfolio, structured around four key pillars: Trade Finance, Value Chain Development, Industrialisation and Investment Mobilisation. Discussions also highlighted seven strategic trade corridors across nine EAC countries, with three passing through Uganda: Kampala–Mombasa, Nimule–Juba and West Nile–DRC. @mtic_uganda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of the Country Programme, emphasising the importance of aligning the proposed financing with government priorities to accelerate trade, industrialisation and economic transformation.

Participants reviewed progress in Uganda–Italy industrial cooperation and discussed new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and business partnerships. The Uganda Business Hub is a key component of the broader @UNIDO project “Strengthening the Private Sector through Capacity Building and International Partnerships in Uganda,” which is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through AICS and implemented by UNIDO ITPO Italy. The initiative, launched in late 2025 with a contribution of €1.7 million, focuses on capacity building, business development services, and facilitating links between Ugandan enterprises and international partners. An initial memorandum of understanding for the Hub was signed earlier this year.