The Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has this morning launched the ‘Buy Uganda Build Uganda’ implementation policy, aimed at promoting consumption of locally made commodities.
During the launch in Kampala this morning, the minister of trade Amelia Kyambadde promised that government is producing a supermarket regulation, citing that it is unfortunate that Ugandans have been importing mangoes and tomatoes.
This, she says will address standards to which UNBS will deliver a policy, to increase the visibility of the local products in the local populace.
“Uganda will continue to import mangoes, tomatoes and eggs unless we fix the production side issues. Government is in process of reviewing guidelines to increase the shelf space for local goods (now at %) in supermarkets.
Kyambadde added that all countries on the global market have already implemented the initiative including South Africa. She revealed that there is another strategy by EAC, code named Buy East Africa.
According to Kyambadde, her ministry wants to adopt a policy to employ Ugandans first, like Kenya does, before importing labor from other countries. She explains that Ugandan industries have collapsed because there was no market as people chose to buy second hand clothes. Adding that out of Uganda’s total import of shoes, only 500,000 is leather, yet there is so much leather in Uganda.
The Prime Minister promised that government will implement the Public Procurement Disposal of Public Assets, PPDA guidelines on reservations.
He called upon the ministry of Trade to engage supermarket owners, claiming one wonders if Uganda produces anything when they enter supermarkets.
“The ministry of Trade should engage supermarket owners. When we get into supermarkets we wonder if Uganda produces anything” he said.
The Prime minister says he is glad that UPDF, Uganda Prisons and Police are leading the way since they have promised to start buying their uniforms at home
