EnterUganda Business

. Kampala, Uganda.

About Uganda Manufacturers Association

The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) is one of the leading organizations in Uganda and the wider East African region representing the broad industrial and commercial sectors of Uganda's economy and providing an important forum and voice for the private sector. Since it was revived in 1988, UMA has championed the growth of a strong industrial base in Uganda. The Association ensures that the views of its members, as well as the Ugandan business community in general, are considered by the Government in formulating policies and legislation affecting them. UMA has a membership comprising of small, medium and large enterprises drawn from both the private and public sector.

The Association Secretariat based at the Lugogo Show grounds in Kampala, is run by a small professional team headed by an Executive Director who reports to the Association's Executive Board. The regions are served by two offices located in Jinja and Mbarara for the Eastern and Western regions respectively.

Objectives of the Uganda Manufacturers Association

Promote, protect and co-ordinate the interests of industrialists in Uganda
Act as a watchdog and an effective mouth piece for its members
Initiate and facilitate discussions and exchange of information amongst members
Advise Government on key policies affecting industry

UMA's Structure

The Association conducts its activities through sub-committees, which handle areas of interest to members. The sub-committees report to the Executive Board, the supreme governing organ of the Association. These subcommittees include the following:

Economics sub-committee;
Sector sub-committee;
Marketing sub- committee;
Finance & Administration sub-committee;
Small & Medium Scale Enterprises sub-committee;
Activities and Networking sub-committee;
Women in Business sub-committee;
Standards, Environment and Energy sub-committee;
Human Resource Development sub-committee;

Marketing Services (Trade Fairs, Exhibitions, Missions, and Related Activities)

The Association's marketing promotion and development activities take place within the broad framework of efforts and commitment to facilitate enhanced performance of the private sector. The construction of the Association permanent Trade fair Show Grounds at Lugogo near Kampala has enabled the organization of the trade fairs, thus contributing to the expansion of the existing markets and seeking new ones as well, for its members. UMA has to date held eight international trade fairs and several local fairs and exhibitions at the show grounds. The Association continues to invest in substantial resources in improving the show grounds infrastructure with the aim of bringing them to international standards.

The Association has built a large hall with a sitting capacity of 600 for rent to members and the general public; ideal for conferences, workshops, anniversaries and weddings; and located at Lugogo Show Grounds.

In order to take more activities to upcountry members, the Association recently launched its first regional trade Fair in Mbale, Eastern Uganda. Regional Trade Fairs will in future be regularly organised in all regions of Uganda.

The Association has also recognised the need to assist members break into the regional markets. UMA recently co-ordinated two business delegations which participated in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair and the Rwanda Expo 2001.

Human Resource Development

The Association has established a fully-fledged training centre at the secretariat to provide practical training to member companies focusing on relevant topical issues. It has organised various seminars and workshops on marketing; quality control and packaging; export strategy; equipment fabrication; business management: customer services; trade promotions and development.

The Association, with German technical assistance, has set up an ISO 9000:2000 certification scheme to assist member companies and organisations improve their competitiveness in order to meet some of the challenges posed by globalisation. Eight companies, including some of Uganda's leading business houses are set to achieve certification by the end of this year.

Information Services

The Association maintains a modern Information Reference Centre at the secretariat. The Centre facilitates quick response to requests for information on industrial issues. Through both local and foreign links, UMA provides a wide information resource for members and other interested users and keeps them abreast with the developments and trends in the manufacturing sector and business in general. The Centre runs a business matching service to facilitate formation of joint venture partnerships. Members and the general public are also kept informed about the Association's activities, developments in the industrial sector and related matters through UMA publications which include; a bi-weekly Business Bulletin and Manufacturer quarterly journal. The Association also publishes a Manufacturers Directory to help promote trade and investment between Ugandan firms and their counterparts at home and abroad and as well as the UGITF catalogue for the annual Uganda International trade fair. The Association will soon launch an internet information point to make the internet and related information resources available to members.

Membership of Other Organisations and Outside Links

The Association is active in the following organisations: The Private Sector Foundation ( the apex business organisation in the country), the East African Business Council ( the apex regional business organisation), the World Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (WASME). In order to forge continued development, the Association has linked with the Confederation of Danish Industries (DI) under the Private sector Development Program sponsored by DANIDA (the Danish Development Agency).

Partnership with Government and Stake holders

Structural adjustment of Uganda's economy continues to pose great challenges as well as opportunities for manufacturers and indeed for all investors. It also acknowledged that the only way forward for manufacturers to accept the challenges and seize those opportunities by strengthening their competitive position and expanding into regional markets. In attempting to bring about meaningful contribution to Uganda's economic development, UMA recognises the need to work in collaboration and in consultation with Government as well as other stakeholders. UMA has actively worked with Government towards the reform and improvement of policies that affect the development of the private sector. For example, the Association regularly contributes ideas and recommendations for inclusion in the National budgets.

Uganda needs to attract both international and local investors and to promote trade within our regional markets. Ugandan manufacturers, on their part, have to improve the utilisation of their capacity as well as their overall efficiency. The Association in collaboration with government as well as other private sector representatives will continue to work towards increased private investment, and towards a stronger private sector in Uganda.

UMA is determined to play an important role as an active voice for the Ugandan Manufacturing Industry and a quality service provider for members. Many of the challenges that face manufacturing companies are naturally addressed by an industrial Association. Companies in the manufacturing sector need a single strong body that can represent and assist them.