Let’s launch local content fashion day

What you need to know:

  • According to Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) abstract statistics 2012), Uganda’s imports are estimated at $6 billion. Between 2007 and 2011, we imported articles of apparel and clothing accessories worth $251m and footwear worth $200m.

According to Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) implementation strategy by Trade, Industry and Cooperatives ministry, Uganda imports goods which can also be locally produced worth Shs4,856,719,000. And 70 per cent of the household products we consume are imported from Kenya yet many of such products are being produced Uganda too. This stifles our industrialisation strategy, which is supposed to shift our economy from a peasant society into a modern and prosperous society.
Ugandans have to join government in promoting consumption of products produced locally through countrywide awareness campaign. This will be a great catalyst for private sector players who are confronted with low demand of local products in favour of imported goods.

The most cost effective way of carrying out Buy Uganda Build Uganda policy awareness campaign is by making Ugandans get involved in the process. This can be done by launching the monthly local content fashion day. The Ministry of Trade and other relevant government departments can declare that every last Friday of the month, all Ugandans, for instance, should choose to wear kitenge material, locally-made footwear or a cloth material from local firms such as Nyanza Textile.
Taking such a move will not only promote local content, but it will also promote patriotism among citizens. In this regard, ministers and other government officials should take the lead to act as examples to the rest of the citizens. Personally, I have a locally well tailored suit better than those made by top designers from Italy. This means that those who do not wish to wear a kitenge shirt from our local designers should opt for other locally-made put on a locally made suit.

According to Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) abstract statistics 2012), Uganda’s imports are estimated at $6 billion. Between 2007 and 2011, we imported articles of apparel and clothing accessories worth $251m and footwear worth $200m. However, this is not sustainable because it drains the country’s foreign reserve, yet this is supposed to be used for government strategic investments like the Standard gauge railway (SGR).
It is estimated that Uganda has 10 million middle income earners. So if each of them can buy 10 pieces of local wear in a year at an average of Shs30,000 per item, they will boost the economy with money amounting to Shs3 trillion. This has the potential to positively change the fortunes of local manufacturers, designers, artists and retailers, among others.

Ben Ssebuguzi,
[email protected]