Give BUBU policy chance, Kyambadde tells exporters

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Ms Kyambadde said government had opened up markets for Ugandan producers through several trading blocs in the region such as Comesa, EAC, India, and EU. However, she urged Ugandans to ensure they understand trade protocols to get to know the rights they may not be aware of.

Kampala. Exporters must give the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative a chance because it is the springboard that will promote export trade in Uganda, Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde, has said.
BUBU, which was launched in 2017, seeks to promote use of locally manufactured goods as a way of assisting growth of local manufacturers.
Speaking during the third Annual Exporters’ Conference in Kampala yesterday, Ms Kyambadde said: “Sometimes exporters are worried when they hear about BUBU and think that government does not want them to export. This is not true, BUBU is here to enhance and improve the quality and quantity of the goods,” she said, urging exporters to start at home as a way of promoting their goods and services.
Some analysts have been criticising the policy for inward approach despite Uganda being party to various trade protocols that call for free movement of goods.
However, government still insists that the policy does not contravene such protocols.

Ms Kyambadde said Ugandan must seek to produce quality goods and services that compete favourably across the globe.
For instance, she wondered why Kenya should look to other markets to import maize yet Uganda continues to produce the same in large quantities.
The policy, Ms Kyambadde said, has helped Ugandan producers to grow their supermarket shelf space, which currently stands at about 50 per cent.
Mr Elly Twineyo Karuhanga, the Uganda Export Promotion Board executive director, said government, though different dialogues such as the Annual Exporters’ Conference, is seeking ways through which it can ease doing business.

Uganda continues to rank lowly in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business standing at position 127 among 190 surveyed economies.
Mr Nimrod Waniala, the Uganda Export Promotion Board chairman, said there was need for government to create channels through which it informs exporters of its plans in order to have a common direction.
“We need to be told what is happening, [for instance with the Export Fund] as well as what plans government has to make the export sector a priority,” he said.