Northern Uganda remains a vital production center for exporting value-added products for the country. Much as the 5th Bi-annual Private Sector CEO Retreat, which was originally scheduled to take place in Gulu city from September 12-14, 2024, was shifted to Kampala citing unavoidable circumstances, the focus remains steadfast to drive the region’s commercialization transformation agenda.
The retreat’s aim is to address the commercialization of agriculture in Uganda, with a particular focus on transforming Northern Uganda into a commercialized production and logistics hub for export.
Deo Kayemba, a Board Member of the Presidential CEO Forum, while discussing what to expect in this year’s private sector retreat on one of the local televisions on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, highlighted the importance of this initiative, citing that its focus is on the agro-based economy to ensure strategic economic development.
“Northern Uganda, despite its history of prolonged insurgency, possesses significant potential to position Uganda as a leading exporter of agro-valued products,” Kayemba said.
Kayemba emphasized that the retreat will focus on the critical role of agriculture in Uganda’s agro-based economy, which is vital for the nation’s growth, adding that in previous retreats, the forum has made significant strides in addressing contemporary challenges.
“When we went to Jinja, we resolved to prioritize e-mobility, leading to the introduction of Kayoola electric buses and other electric vehicles, with production facilities now in place,” Kayemba noted.
He further referenced the commitment made during the 3rd biannual retreat to focus on import substitution through agro-value addition, an initiative that the government has actively embraced.
Additionally, the CEO Forum plays a crucial role in examining specific sectors of the economy, evaluating government facilitation, and advising on policy modifications to enhance societal and economic impact.
He further stated that as the private sector leaders gather in Kampala, the discussions are expected to pave the way for innovative solutions that will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also improve logistics and export capabilities, positioning Uganda as a competitive player in the global market.
The theme of this year’s retreat, “Transforming Northern Uganda into a Commercialized Production & Logistics Hub for Export,” underscores the strategic direction aimed at leveraging the region’s agricultural capabilities.
The government of Uganda is currently strategizing to drive the country to the money economy through venturing into initiatives like commercialized agriculture to not only develop northern Uganda which was previously hit hard by rebel insurgency, but the whole country to be able to compete on the global market with the aim of moving Uganda into the middle-income status.
