On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Sanjay Tanna, met members of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) at the UMA in Lugogo, Kampala.

The high-level dialogue, which took place at UMA offices in Lugogo, Kampala, brought together ministry officials and private-sector actors and was aimed at addressing pressing challenges manufacturers face and charting a way forward to boost industrial growth.

Mr Richard Mubiru, a UMA board member and chairman of the Association’s Economic Business Policy Committee, highlighted critical concerns raised by manufacturers, including the need to revisit the Employment Act, particularly the severance pay, as well as a review of Excise duties, other taxes, and the 30 per cent upfront deposit required by URA for Tax Tribunal appeals.

UMA called for a deliberate action to transition the informal sector into the formal sector, promote decent employment, enforce association membership, and implement a structured industrial licensing framework.

Minister Tanna declared that his ministry’s “first war” is data collection, with the ongoing efforts to digitalise databases to drive evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. He advised manufacturers to adopt net-metering to stabilise power costs. He also advised them to make a massive investment in agro-processing as a national duty.

Mr Tanna informed the manufacturers that they have a vital role to play in achieving Uganda’s Ten-fold Growth Strategy under the National Development Plan IV, which targets a $500 billion economy. He counselled the manufacturers to align their investments with the government’s four core pillars: (ATMS – Agro-Industrialisation, Tourism development, Mineral Development, and Science, Technology and Innovation.

The minister said that he is committed to working with the manufacturers to implement the ATMS, using digital systems to offer flexible compliance options, and conducting quarterly factory visits. He added that for non-recyclable plastics, the ministry is actively seeking sustainable solutions.

State Minister for Industry David Bahati said that the government is committed to industrialising the country. He added that Uganda is no longer importing industrial sugar, which is a major milestone for the country. He confirmed that industrial mapping is underway and licensing legislation is being finalised.

With the industrial sector now contributing 27.4 per cent to the GDP and the government targeting a 5-cents-per-unit electricity tariff for factories, Mr Bahati urged manufacturers to “work with us as your mother ministry.”

The meeting underscored a shared commitment to systems, digitalised data, and direct engagement as the cornerstones of Uganda’s industrialisation agenda.