Africa-Press – Uganda. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, has called on Ugandan manufacturers, traders, and small-scale producers to prioritize high-quality packaging as a critical strategy to increase product demand and reduce losses across the value chain.
Speaking at the official opening of a three-day Masterclass Training in Packaging Technology at Protea Hotel in Kampala, Mwebesa emphasized that packaging is not just about aesthetics—it plays a vital role in preserving product quality, enhancing safety, and expanding market access.
“We are calling upon all manufacturers, processors, and producers to embrace modern packaging standards,” the Minister said.
“Proper packaging will protect products, reduce post-harvest losses, and open up greater opportunities for trade, especially in regional and global markets.”
The training, organized by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), has brought together stakeholders from across Uganda’s manufacturing and trade sectors.
Participants are being equipped with the latest skills and knowledge on international packaging technologies and standards, with the goal of driving industrial growth and boosting Uganda’s export potential.
Uganda’s industrial sector has grown significantly—from just 80 industries in 1986 to over 9,000 today.
However, Minister Mwebesa noted that post-harvest and food losses remain a pressing challenge, largely due to inadequate packaging and poor storage practices.
Recent data suggests that nearly 50% of food produced in Uganda is wasted—much of it preventable through better packaging solutions.
“Through this Masterclass, we aim to build the capacity of Ugandan industry professionals to meet global packaging standards,” Mwebesa said.
“This will not only strengthen industrial development but also contribute to sustainable economic growth.”
Professor Pierre Pienaar, President of the World Packaging Organisation, also addressed participants, highlighting the global impact of poor packaging on food waste.
“Billions of dollars’ worth of food is lost around the world due to poor packaging,” he said. “This training presents a great opportunity for Ugandan producers to upgrade their practices and position themselves more competitively in international markets.”
Participants praised the initiative, calling it both timely and transformative. Many expressed optimism that the knowledge gained will directly enhance the quality, shelf life, and marketability of their products—factors that are crucial in today’s competitive trade environment.
The Masterclass, which began wednesday and run through Thursday, featuring expert-led sessions and hands-on demonstrations.
It marks a major step in the government’s broader push to build value across Uganda’s product supply chains by strengthening packaging standards.
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