Ugandans have been challenged to use more local raw materials for manufacturing products if the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) project is to work.
The call was made by President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday at the official opening of Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) expo Kololo Independence Grounds.
At the BUBU expo, products manufactured by local industries are being exhibited and locals are encouraged to buy them in order to support local manufacturers. The policy which targets promotion of local industries and consumption of locally manufactured products took effect in March 2017.
Amelia Kyambadde trade minister, says the on-going three days expo is part of activities to mark two years of BUBU policy which already registered dividends in terms of increased export volumes, trade surplus in the region and a reducing balance of trade deficit.
President Museveni toured a number of exhibitors and applauded Ugandans who have started participating in industrial but bemoaned importation of industrial inputs that can be produced locally.
Museveni said that since Uganda is exporting more to the region than it imports, is indication that Ugandans are waking up to participate in production.
The president added that government will not give up until it achieves a global trade surplus. Uganda’s trade deficit currently stands at USD 2.9 billion. He pointed out leather for making shoes as one of the inputs that should not be imported.
