Western Uganda to host first-ever regional BUBU Expo in Mbarara

July 17, 2025 in Trade & Industry by Editor

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has launched a campaign to promote locally made goods in Western Uganda as part of its ongoing implementation of the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.

The campaign, which began with mobilisation meetings across Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kasese, Kabale, Fort Portal, Masindi, and Hoima, will culminate in the first-ever regional BUBU Expo scheduled for July 25–27 at Independence Park in Mbarara City.

The fair is expected to showcase products made in the Tooro, Rwenzori, Kigezi, Ankole, and Bunyoro sub-regions. It aims to boost market visibility for Western-based manufacturers, processors, and commercial farmers, encouraging uptake of their goods in both public procurement and retail channels.

Speaking during the mobilisation drive, James Makula, Senior Commercial Officer and BUBU Desk Officer at the Ministry, said the government remains committed to supporting local producers to dominate the domestic market. However, he pointed to challenges such as limited production capacity, failure to meet quality standards, and a lingering consumer bias against locally made goods.

“Since the implementation of the BUBU policy in 2017, we’ve seen growing preference for Ugandan-made products—especially in furniture, leather, iron and steel, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals,” Makula noted.

The Mbarara expo will feature exhibitions, an SME symposium, and support services from agencies including NIRA, URSB, UNBS, and NFA. Visitors will be able to access business registration, product certification guidance, national ID renewal, blood donation services, and tree seedlings.

Organised under the theme “Buy Uganda Build Uganda: Driving Growth through Sustainable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,” the expo represents a strategic shift to decentralise the BUBU campaign beyond Kampala.

Similar regional expos are planned across the country as part of efforts to scale up domestic consumption of locally made goods and services.