The Ministry for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Achievements - NRM Manifesto Week 2024

Nov 27, 2024 - 12:58
Nov 27, 2024 - 13:05
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The Ministry for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Achievements - NRM Manifesto Week  2024

The Ministry for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Industry), through Hon. David Bahati has this week  given a highlight on its developments in regards to implementing the commitments of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto (2021–2026) during the NRM Manifesto Week, in kampala at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Despite challenges , many achievements have been registerd as below.

 

Industrial Development

The establishment of industrial parks across the country has been accelerated, with new parks being operationalized in various regions. 
These parks aim to boost regional industrialization and create employment opportunities.
Several industrial plants focusing on agro-processing, textile manufacturing, and light engineering have been commissioned, aligning with the manifesto’s vision to promote industrialization and value addition.

Promotion of Value Addition

The ministry has facilitated the establishment of agro-industries to process coffee, cotton, maize, and other crops. This initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers' earnings.
Support has been extended to cooperatives and enterprises engaged in adding value to agricultural produce through access to affordable financing and technical expertise.

Support for SMEs

Programs to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been launched, including training on modern production techniques and market access.

Enhancement of Trade Facilitation

Measures to streamline cross-border trade have been implemented, including improvements in trade infrastructure and policy frameworks.

The current Ongoing Initiatives include

 

Skilling and Employment

 

The government is working to address the shortage of skilled manpower in the industrial sector through the upgrade of training institutions and the development of curricula tailored to industry needs.

 

Infrastructure Development

 

The construction and upgrade of industrial infrastructure, including roads and power supply to industrial parks, are ongoing. These efforts are crucial for attracting investment and supporting industrial growth.

 

Policy and Regulatory Reforms

 

Efforts are underway to revise policies and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that hinder private sector growth. Tax incentives and a favorable business environment are being promoted.

 

 Challenges Registered.

 

Limited Funding

Development budgets are often insufficient to fully realize planned projects.

 

 High Cost of Capital

Access to affordable credit for private sector players remains a significant hurdle.

 

Infrastructure Gaps

Poor connectivity and limited utilities in some regions affect industrial growth.

Global Economic Shocks.

 

Also, the external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and global market volatility have impacted progress.

The minister, however, stressed the ministry’s commitment to fulfilling the NRM Manifesto objectives by the end of the 2021–2026 term. Especially with the already achieved progress and others on track for completion, the ministry continues to play a critical role in Uganda’s economic transformation. Efforts to address challenges and accelerate progress will be crucial in ensuring the full realization of the manifesto's vision.

This progress underscores the NRM government’s dedication to industrialization, economic empowerment, and job creation as pillars of national development.

 

Benjamin Mwibo Benjamin Mwibo is a talented, passionate and creative journalist with a commitment to high quality out put that is factual and researched. Above all Dedicated with a strong desire to identify the truth of the matter.