Africa-Press – Uganda. The 2025 Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Trade Fair reaffirmed its status as a premier platform for innovation, trade, and networking in Uganda’s private sector.
Held at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala, the week-long exhibition attracted hundreds of exhibitors, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners from across Uganda and beyond.
A standout feature of this year’s fair was the participation of 12 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the Strengthening Agribusiness Resilience and Competitiveness (STAR) Project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The STAR Project focuses on enhancing the competitiveness and climate resilience of agribusinesses in Northern and North-Eastern Uganda, particularly within the cassava, shea, and oilseed value chains.
With ITC’s support, participating SMEs showcased a range of locally produced goods — including cassava flour, shea butter, sunflower oil, and starch — reflecting the growing sophistication of Uganda’s agro-industrial sector.
“This trade fair has opened doors for us to meet potential clients who can buy our products in bulk,” said Patrick Nicholas Ochakara of Pano Sunflower Virgin Oil.
“ITC has supported us with capacity building, modern equipment, and marketing. They also helped us rebrand our products to meet international standards so we can compete globally.”
Ochakara added that ITC’s interventions have strengthened both production and marketing capacity.
“They train farmers on climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest handling, and provide high-quality seeds to ensure we maintain premium product standards,” he noted.
Other SMEs supported by ITC included Teso Agro Produce and Processors Company, TUA Uganda SMC, Lalida Natural Treasures, The Shea House, Keri Naturals SMC, Wella Uganda, Hifazat Tarpaulins, Pader Shea Cooperative Society, Divine Organics, King of Kings Multi-Investments and Consultancy Farm Limited, and Mohca Beauty and Skin Care.
Immaculate Akello of The Shea House praised ITC for improving product branding and packaging.
“Through ITC’s training, our products have become more competitive, and we’ve been able to attend exhibitions across Uganda. At this trade fair, we sold about 95% of our products and even ran out of stock. The response from Kampala residents was overwhelming,” she said.
Prossy Acheng of Lalida Natural Treasures noted that ITC’s mentorship had helped refine her brand for both local and international markets.
“ITC has continuously trained us in marketing, product development, and business growth. Participating in this exhibition has been an eye-opener, even though many student visitors were more focused on research than purchases,” she remarked.
According to ITC, the participation of SMEs in the UMA Trade Fair forms part of its market access and visibility strategy, connecting agribusinesses to buyers, investors, and development partners while exposing them to best practices in packaging, branding, and product diversification.
The STAR Project also supports farmers and cooperatives in ten districts across Northern and North-Eastern Uganda, providing training in climate-smart agriculture, climate change management, and post-harvest handling.
Additionally, ITC is helping agribusinesses meet certification standards in collaboration with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
To expand opportunities further, ITC is building SME capacity in e-commerce, enabling online ordering — a move expected to increase efficiency, broaden market reach, and position Ugandan agribusinesses for export.
“ITC’s engagement in the UMA Trade Fair demonstrates our commitment to empowering small businesses to thrive in both domestic and global markets,” said a STAR Project representative.
“By connecting SMEs to buyers, investors, and technology, we are unlocking Uganda’s agribusiness potential and driving inclusive, climate-resilient growth.”
As the fair concluded on Sunday, participating entrepreneurs expressed optimism that the exposure and partnerships gained would translate into long-term growth, increased sales, and stronger visibility for Uganda’s agribusiness sector.
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