Uganda Cleaner Production Center Holds Stakeholders Meeting to Boost SMEs in Jinja and Kamuli

Uganda Today Edition: Uganda Cleaner Production Center Holds Stakeholders Meeting to Boost SMEs in Jinja and Kamuli

By Naikazi Joy www.ugandatoday.co.ug

Jinja City – The Uganda Cleaner Production Center (UCPC), in collaboration with the European Union, the Government of Belgium, the Government of Uganda, and Enabel, convened a high-profile stakeholders’ meeting today at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja City. The meeting aimed to address the critical challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Jinja and Kamuli districts, with the ultimate goal of enhancing productivity and creating more job opportunities.

A Convergence of Key Players

The meeting brought together cooperators from Jinja and Kamuli, district agriculture officers from both districts, and representatives from key development partners. The Uganda Cleaner Production Center was represented by its Executive Director, Mr. Ssebaggala Silver, who emphasized the need for practical and sustainable solutions to empower SMEs.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ssebaggala noted that SMEs form the backbone of Uganda’s economy but continue to struggle due to limited access to financing, lack of technical expertise, and market constraints. He called for greater collaboration between public and private stakeholders to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

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Key Issues and Solutions Discussed

The stakeholders engaged in detailed discussions on the major obstacles hindering SME growth, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The most pressing concerns raised included:

• Limited Access to Credit: Many SMEs struggle to secure affordable financing, limiting their ability to scale up operations.
• Lack of Modern Technology: Outdated production methods have resulted in inefficiencies and low-quality products.
• Market Access Challenges: SMEs often find it difficult to compete in both local and international markets.
• Policy and Regulatory Hurdles: Bureaucratic red tape and inconsistent policies were cited as major barriers to business growth.

In response to these challenges, several solutions were proposed, including the introduction of capacity-building programs, increased investment in sustainable production technologies, and improved access to financial support through microcredit initiatives.

Commitment from Development Partners

Representatives from the European Union, the Government of Belgium, and Enabel reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Uganda’s SME sector through technical assistance, funding, and policy advocacy. They highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting sustainable production, promoting green energy, and improving supply chain efficiency.

The district agriculture officers also pledged to work closely with SMEs to enhance agricultural value chains and promote agribusiness as a key driver of economic growth in Jinja and Kamuli.

Way Forward

The meeting concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to intensify efforts in supporting SMEs. The Uganda Cleaner Production Center committed to developing a roadmap for sustainable SME development, which will include regular stakeholder engagements, training programs, and advocacy for policy reforms.

As Uganda continues its journey towards industrialization, such initiatives are crucial in empowering local businesses, creating jobs, and fostering economic resilience. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to lay the foundation for a more competitive and productive SME sector in Jinja and Kamuli.

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