UMA starts in Mbale and focuses on technology and innovation

The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has launched the Mbale City Eastern Region Fair which will be held from June 14 to 23, 2024 at the Mbale Secondary School Playground.

The event showcases the achievements, innovations and products of local manufacturers, with over 271 exhibitors from various sectors, including construction, automotive and food processing.

“We invite businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators to join us in celebrating resilience, creativity and innovation in Mbale City. This event enhances production and trade efficiency through digital transformation,” said MUbarak Kirunda Nkutu, UMA Business Development Director.

The fair began with a marathon to support expectant mothers and newborns at the Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, with the aim of reducing maternal and newborn deaths in the region.

The fair includes an agricultural pavilion, women entrepreneurs and an industrial education pavilion for students. It also includes a Boda Boda expert workshop run by Simba Automotive to educate drivers on business management.

“We have not left our women behind; they will exhibit their products. Our goal is to strengthen interconnections in the trade industry and provide participants with the opportunity to present their products,” said Eddie Senkumba, UMA board member, adding: “The participation of 13 foreign exhibitors from Egypt, Tanzania, Nigeria and Kenya further enhances the opportunities for international exchange and cooperation.” .

The event is expected to attract 40,000 visitors, providing producers with a platform to engage with consumers and obtain feedback.

Exhibitors represent a variety of sectors including construction, automotive, agricultural machinery, food and beverage, packaging materials, plastics, health, confectionery, ICT, alcohol and spirits, personal care products, electrical, logistics and transport, stationery, academia, furniture, leather Commodity producers, dairy and dairy products, fast moving consumer goods and exporters, among others.

The fair also offers business recovery loans and financing options through Diamond Trust Bank (DTB).

“We will be offering people different financing options at DTB. We have a business recovery program that will get your business back up and running,” said Ronald Kasanya, Chief Marketing Officer at DTB.

“Let us support Ugandan products and own our economy,” said Lukumani Sebinde, sales manager at Steel and Tube Industries.

Mr. Ajay Jain, CEO, Crestanks Limited, asked people to come and visit the exhibition to get a better idea of ​​what the manufacturers are producing in the country.

“The event aims to strengthen interconnections in the trade industry, providing participants with the opportunity to showcase their products and services throughout the period,” he said.

According to Elgon Regional Police spokesman Rogers Taitika, participant security is stringent, with both civilian and uniformed officers ensuring the safety of participants.

The event celebrates the achievements of local producers and serves as a benchmark for aspiring entrepreneurs, promoting innovation and trade efficiency in Uganda’s manufacturing sector.