KAMPALA- The State Minister for Trade Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi has commended Micro, Small, and Mediums Enterprises (MSMEs) for making a contribution towards reducing the unemployment problem in Uganda and the entire East African Region.
Mbadi was officiating at the Uganda Day at the ongoing 24th EAC MSMEs trade fair in Juba, South Sudan. The trade fair is organized under the theme ‘Promotion of unique innovations and skills development amongst EAC MSMEs’.
Uganda Day was celebrated on Saturday, 2nd November, where Uganda showcased the different innovations in the MSMEs industry.
Minister Mbadi, who was the chief guest, noted that MSMEs are the backbone of the EAC economies constituting 90 percent of the private sector. He said 60 percent of Ugandans and East Africans are employed by small and medium enterprises.
He, however, cautioned the MSMEs in Uganda to stop hiding information from the government, saying this has made them miss out on opportunities to be supported.
“Many small and medium enterprises do not provide adequate information to the government in fear that they will be taxed, yet taxes help the government to provide a conducive environment for them to operate,” said Mbadi
The occasion was attended by State Minister for Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi, State Minister for Fisheries Hon. Hellen Adoa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of East African Community Affairs Edith Mwanje, among other dignitaries.
There are more than 200 Ugandans exhibiting at the 24th EAC MSMEs trade fair. Among these are government institutions, including the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) that is showcasing the innovations in the hass avocado, macadamia, and cashew nuts value chains. The 10-day exhibition will end on the 5th November 2024.
