The Uganda National Bureau of Standards just struck a big deal worth $1.5 million with Trade Mark Africa, which equals about 5.5 billion Ugandan shillings. The partnership aims to help small businesses across Uganda meet quality standards for their farm products. This matters because improved standards open doors to selling goods beyond local markets.
Both organizations want Ugandan products to compete better worldwide. The agreement fits perfectly with what these groups already try to do—UNBS works to improve local product quality, and Trade Mark Africa focuses on making trade easier between countries. They signed papers at the UNBS main office in Bweyogerere.
Ms. Anna Nambooze from Trade Mark Africa pointed out some interesting facts during the ceremony. According to global research, Uganda ranks among the top five countries for starting new businesses. A recent study from 2024 confirms that small enterprises make up most businesses in Uganda, acting as the lifeblood of their economy. However, these companies face tough challenges growing past their initial stages.
Thanks to government policies, starting businesses is fairly easy, but systems that guide smaller companies through growth stages remain lacking. Ms. Nambooze explained that teaching these businesses about quality standards becomes crucial if Uganda wants to boost exports. She believes companies need to learn these practices right from the beginning.
The head of UNBS, Engineer James Kasigwa, expressed thanks for this assistance. He mentioned it comes at exactly the right moment as his organization launches a new approach. UNBS plans to guide small businesses step by step until they reach proper quality levels. The goal focuses on making Ugandan products more competitive both at home and internationally.
Engineer Kasigwa talked about bigger plans for the next five years. He wants to strengthen local companies enough that they can effectively supply both domestic and foreign markets. This effort supports broader national goals of boosting manufacturing, reducing imports, and selling more Ugandan products overseas. These actions align with the National Development Plan IV and the strategy to grow Uganda's economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.
This twelve-month partnership offers several practical benefits. It funds mobile testing equipment for border areas, including Goli, Paidha, and Vurra in Uganda and Mahagi and Aruu on the Congo side. The money also helps UNBS gain important accreditation for labs in Gulu, Mbale, and Mbarara. The border post lab at Busia receives testing equipment through this deal.
The agreement covers extensive training programs as well. Certification experts learn global farm standards, environmental certification, and food safety protocols. Many small business owners will attend workshops explaining standard requirements and certification processes. UNBS expressed gratitude toward Trade Mark Africa and their funding partners including the Danish Government, the British FCDO program, and the European Union's project supporting peaceful border regions.
Both organizations want Ugandan products to compete better worldwide. The agreement fits perfectly with what these groups already try to do—UNBS works to improve local product quality, and Trade Mark Africa focuses on making trade easier between countries. They signed papers at the UNBS main office in Bweyogerere.
Ms. Anna Nambooze from Trade Mark Africa pointed out some interesting facts during the ceremony. According to global research, Uganda ranks among the top five countries for starting new businesses. A recent study from 2024 confirms that small enterprises make up most businesses in Uganda, acting as the lifeblood of their economy. However, these companies face tough challenges growing past their initial stages.
Thanks to government policies, starting businesses is fairly easy, but systems that guide smaller companies through growth stages remain lacking. Ms. Nambooze explained that teaching these businesses about quality standards becomes crucial if Uganda wants to boost exports. She believes companies need to learn these practices right from the beginning.
The head of UNBS, Engineer James Kasigwa, expressed thanks for this assistance. He mentioned it comes at exactly the right moment as his organization launches a new approach. UNBS plans to guide small businesses step by step until they reach proper quality levels. The goal focuses on making Ugandan products more competitive both at home and internationally.
Engineer Kasigwa talked about bigger plans for the next five years. He wants to strengthen local companies enough that they can effectively supply both domestic and foreign markets. This effort supports broader national goals of boosting manufacturing, reducing imports, and selling more Ugandan products overseas. These actions align with the National Development Plan IV and the strategy to grow Uganda's economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.
This twelve-month partnership offers several practical benefits. It funds mobile testing equipment for border areas, including Goli, Paidha, and Vurra in Uganda and Mahagi and Aruu on the Congo side. The money also helps UNBS gain important accreditation for labs in Gulu, Mbale, and Mbarara. The border post lab at Busia receives testing equipment through this deal.
The agreement covers extensive training programs as well. Certification experts learn global farm standards, environmental certification, and food safety protocols. Many small business owners will attend workshops explaining standard requirements and certification processes. UNBS expressed gratitude toward Trade Mark Africa and their funding partners including the Danish Government, the British FCDO program, and the European Union's project supporting peaceful border regions.
