The Government of Uganda and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s manufacturing sector as a key driver of economic transformation, job creation, exports and increased domestic revenue.

The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, together with Hon. Amos Lugoloobi and Hon. Cissy Mulondo, engaged with the Uganda Manufacturers Association, where government reiterated its commitment to supporting a strong, competitive and export-oriented manufacturing sector.

Hon. Musasizi emphasized that manufacturing is a key pillar of Uganda’s 10-fold economic growth strategy. He said the sector plays an important role in increasing production, creating jobs, expanding exports, growing tax revenues and reducing dependence on external borrowing.

Government also reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses through investments in peace and security, infrastructure, supportive policies, market access and a stable investment climate.

According to UMA Chairman Aga Sekalala Junior, the manufacturing sector contributes more than 16.5 percent of Uganda’s GDP, approximately 2 million direct jobs, 25 percent of manufactured exports and more than 33 percent of domestic tax revenues.

Sekalala said manufacturers should be viewed as strategic partners in Uganda’s economic transformation and called for stronger cooperation between the government and the private sector.

UMA also called for the establishment of a MoFPED–UMA Technical Coordination Committee to strengthen policy dialogue and ensure early consultation on fiscal, tax and economic policies.

The association further presented its “Big Five Agenda,” which addresses challenges related to energy costs, industrial infrastructure, financing, market access, skills gaps and trade facilitation.

Government and UMA reaffirmed that a strong public-private partnership is essential to accelerating industrial growth, expanding exports, creating jobs and building a resilient Ugandan economy while emphasizing that when manufacturing grows, Uganda grows.