Local products occupy 50% supermarkets’ shelf space
Zackey Kalega, Commissioner Internal Trade Ministry of trade, industry and cooperatives briefing media about the benefits of the western trade show in Mbarara city
The Ministry of Trade is successfully implementing the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) Policy, according to Mr. Kalega Zackey, the Commissioner of Internal Trade.
He leads the team promoting the BUBU Policy at the Ministry. He mentions that 50% of the shelf space in local supermarkets and stores is filled with locally produced products, which include foods, drinks, beverages, spices, soaps, and plastics.
Most government agencies, ministries, and departments purchase at least 70% of goods made in Uganda, compared to 20% before the launch of the BUBU policy.
The policy’s products have decreased the import bill, particularly for steel and pharmaceutical items. Additionally, 47 types of drugs, including ARVs and Paracetamol, are sourced from Ugandan Rene Industries and Cipla Quality Chemicals.
The president also directed that all furniture should be procured locally. There are 14 established furniture companies, two are owned by women, which have helped reduce furniture imports.
Industrial capacity utilisation has also improved, with production surpassing installed capacity, creating jobs, and fulfilling the President’s wish for employment creation.
In the agricultural sector, particularly dairy, several companies now produce powder milk, a product previously imported, providing consumers with access to quality local milk and further reducing the import bill.
While the ultimate objective is to minimise imports, the government must adhere to international trade agreements to which Uganda is a signatory.
Instead of banning certain goods, the government taxes imports to reduce their volume, although Uganda will continue importing agricultural machinery due to limited local capacity for its production.
The country also imports equipment for road construction, dam excavation, and mining, among other needs.
BUBU is central to the implementation of the NRM Government Manifesto. President Yoweri Museveni has urged ministries, departments, agencies, and the private sector to prioritise locally produced goods and services,
which would decrease Uganda’s import expenditure, currently standing at $3.43 billion in the second quarter of the financial year 2024/25.
