In a significant move to strengthen Uganda’s agro-industrial sector, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has partnered with Trade Mark Africa (TMA) in a UGX 5.5 billion agreement aimed at enhancing the standardization of products by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The deal, signed at UNBS headquarters in Bweyogerere, seeks to elevate Uganda’s export potential by helping MSMEs meet regional and international market requirements.
A Partnership for Growth
The collaboration aligns with UNBS’s mandate to ensure locally manufactured products meet quality standards, making them competitive in export markets.
It also supports TMA’s mission to improve trade facilitation and regulatory frameworks.
During the signing ceremony, TMA Country Director Anna Nambooze emphasized the critical role of MSMEs in Uganda’s economy.
“Uganda ranks among the top five entrepreneurial nations globally, and MSMEs dominate our business sector. However, supportive systems to guide these enterprises through their growth journey remain insufficient,” she said.
Nambooze stressed the importance of capacity building for MSMEs to understand and integrate quality standards into their operations.
“This is key to boosting Uganda’s exports,” she added.
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UNBS’s Vision for MSMEs
UNBS Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa welcomed the partnership, highlighting its timeliness as the agency focuses on helping MSMEs meet quality standards for better market access.
“Over the next five years, we aim to grow MSMEs and strengthen their ability to supply both domestic and export markets,” Kasigwa said.
“This will drive industrialization, import substitution, and export promotion, aligning with National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) and Uganda’s goal of growing its economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.”
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Key Initiatives Under the Agreement
The 12-month agreement will fund several initiatives to improve standards and market access for MSMEs:
- Mobile Quality Assurance Testing Equipment: To serve border communities, including Goli, Paidha, Vurra, Mahagi, and Aruu.
- Accreditation Services: Supporting UNBS regional laboratories in Gulu, Mbale, and Mbarara, and expanding the scope of accredited laboratories.
- GAP Analysis: For National Metrology Laboratories to identify areas for improvement.
- Border Post Laboratory Equipment: Enhancing compliance with safety and quality requirements at the Busia border post.
- Training and Certification Programs: Including Global GAP Integrated Farm Assurance V6, ECOMARK, Personnel Certification, and Food Safety training for UNBS auditors, Ministry of Agriculture farm assurers, and private sector players.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating MSMEs on standards and certification requirements.
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A Brighter Future for Uganda’s MSMEs
This partnership marks a significant step toward empowering Uganda’s agro-industrial MSMEs.
By equipping them with the tools and knowledge to meet quality standards, the deal aims to unlock new opportunities in regional and international markets.
As Uganda strives to achieve its economic growth targets, initiatives like this underscore the importance of intentional investment in local industries.
With UNBS and TMA leading the charge, the future looks bright for Uganda’s MSMEs and their contribution to the nation’s prosperity.
