SEATINI Uganda Supports MSMEs to Exhibit Products during BUBU Expo 2022
Following the re-opening of the economy, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC) organized the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) Expo 2022 which lasted for 3 days (6th-8th May) in line with the BUBU Policy geared towards promoting use of locally manufactured goods and use of local skills/personnel. This year’s BUBU Expo was held under the theme; “Changing mindsets and building awareness about BUBU products.”
Over the years, SEATINI Uganda has been influencing a supportive policy ecosystem for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and supporting Agro-based MSMES to comply with the minimum standards to increase their competitiveness both in local and regional markets. From 6th to 8th May, 2022, SEATINI Uganda with support from the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung supported four MSMEs i.e. Kweyo Growers Cooperative Society Limited, Stina Foods, Rena Beverages Solutions Limited and D &M Enterprises to exhibit their products during the BUBU Expo.
The BUBU Expo 2022 brought together various stakeholders including representatives from Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the Permanent Secretary of MTIC, Ms Geraldine Ssali, Minister of General Duties Office of the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Justine Lumumba Kasule, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry, Hon Amelia Anne Kyambadde, MSMEs/Private Sector and media. The guest speaker at the event was Hon Amelia Anne Kyambadde who formerly served as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
The BUBU Expo 2022 was structured in an interactive way with various sessions during which MSMEs shared experiences and concerns that mainly focused on the need for government support to address challenges that hinder market access and penetration. MSMEs expressed concerns about the high interest rates on loans acquired and thus underscored the need for timely and affordable credit to address the various challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below is what the MSMEs had to say;
‘‘We have received alot of support from SEATINI Uganda through the Rosa Luxemburg project on value addition especially linking us to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) that ultimately built our capacity to comply with relevant product standards. We are now in the process of acquiring a Quality (Q) Mark. BUBU Expo helped to broaden our networks, learning from fellow exhibitors, exposure and increase incomes as we sold some of our products,’’ James Otim, General Manager Kweyo Grower’s Cooperatives Society said.
‘‘STINA foods is a company producing baby porridge in 7 different products such as Soya maize millet, Rice Soya, Cassava rice Soya among others. Our products have a wide range of nutritional benefits and they products are healthy for babies. We appreciate SEATINI Uganda for the continued support from SEATINI Uganda in terms of capacity building programmes for business growth. Additionally, SEATINI Uganda provided platforms for various MSMEs to engage with Policy Makers and amplify our voices among others,’’ Justine Mukazungu, CEO, Stina Foods said.
SEATINI Uganda is committed towards supporting impact driven agro-based MSMEs and influencing a supportive policy to unlock their potential and competitiveness towards accessing national, regional and global markets.
