The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) is set to showcase locally manufactured products and breakthrough industrial innovations at the upcoming 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair, aimed at resolving pressing logistics and supply chain challenges facing manufacturers across the country.
The nine-day exhibition will take place from October 3 to 11, 2026, at the UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo, Kampala, under the theme ‘Formalising Trade to Secure Uganda’s Economic Future.’
Addressing journalists during the official launch of the trade fair on Tuesday, Dr. Ezra Muhumuza, the UMA Executive Director, emphasized that the event will focus on promoting local manufacturing, accelerating innovation, and supporting government initiatives to eliminate growth barriers.
Dr. Muhumuza highlighted transport and logistics as persistent hurdles for industrialists, particularly those operating in agro-processing and mineral beneficiation.
‘Government asked us as industrialists to support the national growth strategy of tenfold growth as a target. We came in to concentrate on reduction of barriers and create solutions as manufacturers,’ Dr. Muhumuza said.
He noted that UMA tasked its internal research teams with developing targeted, practical interventions to address logistics costs.
‘One of the big barriers that we have been having as a country is transport and logistics challenges. We took it upon ourselves as manufacturers, and we have already started to seek some of the solutions that our research components have been doing,’ he added.
Key industrial solutions set for unveiling at the trade fair include locally built refrigerated trucks designed to preserve fresh agricultural produce during transit for export and raw material delivery. Additionally, local manufacturers have commenced the production of heavy-duty trailers to streamline mineral transport from mining fields to processing hubs.
‘Today, one of the flagship products that we are bringing here is to solve the transportation challenge that people in the agro-industry sector are facing,’ Dr. Muhumuza stated.
Bridging manufacturers and consumers
Beyond industrial displays, the trade fair offers consumers a direct channel to purchase goods at factory-discounted prices. UMA has collaborated with IT partners to build an online trading system and consumer database to help shoppers track available items and special offers.,
A major feature of this year’s event is the introduction of the inaugural “Black Deals” campaign. According to UMA, over 4,000 products across construction, food and beverages, cosmetics, electronics, household appliances, vehicles, and heavy machinery are being uploaded to the digital platform.
Speaking at the launch, UMA Board Chairman Aga Sekalala Jr. described the trade fair as a vital venue to showcase the country’s manufacturing capacity and economic drive.
‘The 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair, with the theme ‘Formalising Trade to Secure Uganda’s Economic Future’, is more than an event. It’s a powerful statement of our national ambition. It’s a testament to the resilience of our manufacturers and the vast potential of our economy and country,’ Sekalala said.
Organizers anticipate thousands of visitors including local and international manufacturers, distributors, government regulatory agencies, innovators, and everyday consumers. Entry to the fair is set at Shs10,000 per person.