MPIGI: The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Sanjay Tanna, has visited Double Q Uganda Limited, a vehicle assembly plant involved in assembling Sinotruk vehicles and representing international brands GMC and XCMG in Uganda, as government seeks to strengthen local manufacturing.

The visit was intended to familiarise the minister with the company’s operations and assess its contribution to Uganda’s automotive industry and broader industrialisation agenda.

Double Q Uganda is among the private sector players operating in the country’s automotive and machinery sector, with its activities offering opportunities to expand local vehicle assembly, develop technical skills and reduce dependence on imported finished products.

During the visit, Tanna commended the company’s investment in the automotive sector, describing local manufacturing as an important component of Uganda’s economic transformation.

“Government is committed to supporting investments that strengthen local production, create employment opportunities and add value to the country’s industrial capacity,” Tanna said.

He called for closer collaboration between government and private investors to accelerate industrialisation, facilitate technology transfer and develop a competitive manufacturing sector.

“We want to see more investors take advantage of the opportunities within Uganda’s industrial sector. Partnerships between government and the private sector are critical in building a strong manufacturing base and driving sustainable economic growth,” he added.

The visit also highlighted the potential contribution of vehicle assembly to Uganda’s industrial development through technology adoption, skills transfer and the growth of supporting industries.

Government has identified industrialisation as a key driver of economic growth, with efforts focused on increasing domestic production, promoting value addition, attracting investment and expanding employment opportunities.

The automotive sector is part of this ambition, although expanding its contribution will depend on the development of local supply chains, technical expertise and a competitive operating environment.