MBALE- The Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah on Saturday afternoon on behalf of President Museveni officially closed the 2024 Mbale Industrial Park BUBU trade show and Bazaar organized by the Ministry of Finance and Sino-Uganda Industrial Park.
On arrival, the Premier was received by the Chairman Sino-Uganda Industrial Park Mbale Paul Zang.
The Premier who was taken through a guided tour of the Industrial Park appreciated the role the Sino-Uganda group has played in creating employment for the youths and promoting the Buy Uganda ,Build Uganda policy.
She was accompanied by the State Minister for Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, the State Minister for Karamoja, Hon. Namboozo Florence, Hon. Sidronius Okaasai Opolot the Minister of State for Energy, area MPs and local leaders.
The trade show has seen over 40 factories based in the park showcase products in food processing, building, textiles, construction, car parts, electronics at discounted prices to connect with potential customers.
This was officially opened by the Vice-President Jessica Alupo on Friday.
The trade show featured over 40 factories showcasing a wide range of products, including textiles, baby diapers, electronics, steel, mobile phones, energy meters, smart televisions, mattresses, fabrics etc all available at discounted prices.
Residents and several other dignitaries, including ministers, MPs, and the local business community, are attending the show, which provides a platform for local businesses to connect with Mbale Industrial Park, fostering economic growth.
Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda, said that Park is a success story of Uganda’s steady progress on the industrialization agenda. In her speech, Alupo expressed gratitude to the business community from both Uganda and abroad for their investments in this Industrial Park.
She also acknowledged the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, as well as all stakeholders, including the leaders of Mbale City, for their tireless efforts in ensuring that investors in this Industrial Park have received the necessary government support since the Park’s inception in 2018.
“Each of the 50 factories here, producing a variety of products and creating over 6,000 jobs, is a testament to the economic progress our country is making,” Alupo said.
“The government will continue to invest in infrastructure and energy to support industrialization and manufacturing.” She added.
State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Mr. David Bahati, highlighted the success of import substitution and export promotion, attributing it to President Museveni’s leadership.
“Our industrialization policy is working, and we will continue facilitating investors to ensure they use the abundant raw materials available in our country,” Bahati added.
Mbale City Woman MP, Connie Nakayeze Galiwango, commended the industrial park for its contribution to the local community, especially by providing employment to young people, which has helped reduce crime rates.
“I’ve been informed that the lowest-paid worker earns 6,000 UGX per day. While we are grateful for the opportunities, we are in talks with the manufacturers to increase wages and improve workers’ livelihoods,” Galiwango said.
Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Nambozo Florence, in her address to the business community and workers she requested Chinese investors to create an access gate for workers coming from behind the park to reduce transportation costs.