New UMA Chairman Kayemba to focus on production cost reduction.
I and my team are not promising to re-invent the wheel but to work towards better tax policies to encourage manufacturing and investment in the country
Drake Nyamugabwa
The newly elected Board Chairman Deo Kayemba has vowed to improve competitiveness of manufacturing in Uganda through reduced cost of production; better tax policies; fast-tracking the mainstreaming of local content in Government procurement; resolution of the non-tariff barriers faced by players especially those manufacturing sugar, milk and poultry products, among others.
He revealed this after members of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) have elected him as the new Chairman.
The elections were held at the members Annual General Meeting held on the 2nd December 2021 at the UMA Multipurpose Hall, Lugogo.
He takes over from Ms. Barbara Mulwana in picture above who had served as chairperson since 2017.
“I thank the members of Uganda Manufacturers Association for the opportunity and confidence bestowed on me to lead the association.
“I and my team are not promising to re-invent the wheel but to work towards better tax policies to encourage manufacturing and investment in the country,” Kayemba said.
“Our election has come during a difficult period occasioned by the COVID 19 pandemic and my board’s commitment is to steer this association forward to full economic recovery,” he added.
In his maiden speech as Chairman, Mr Kayemba also commended the contribution of previous boards and pledged to build on their successes over the past 35 years of existence of the Association.
“We are not so much focusing on recruiting new members but to help the existing ones especially those affected by Covid: 19 to take off with better financing, reduced taxes and reduced electricity charges. I and my team are not promising to re-invent the wheel but to work towards better policies especially on taxes and other environment that encourages manufacturing and investment” he said.
Inlective AGM, which is held once every two years offers a platform for members of the association to review the activities undertaken by the board and secretariat. During the AGM, members also engage in an elective process to vote for their category specific representatives on the UMA Board.
Kayemba who is also the boss of East African Roofing Systems Ltd and has served on several high profile boards in the country says if better financing is realized manufacturers will be able to industrialize and grow the economy.
“We need reduced bank interest rates on loans, this is a key driver financing is crucial, then members and their companies can add value to their goods and replace or reduce imports and grow the economy”
The UMA Executive Director Daniel Birungi said they are going to work with the new board to help members to industrialize.
” Our efforts are working towards helping members to manage better and industrialize, when we add value to our products we shall be able to create jobs and incomes and grow the economy” he said
New board members include Mr. Deo Kayemba (UMA Chairman);East African Roofing Systems Ltd, Mr. Alam Ali Alam Group of Companies, Mr. Ramesh Babu Kiboko Enterprises Ltd, Mr. Humphrey Nzeyi Crown Beverages Ltd, Ms. Joseline Kateeba Crest Foam Limited, Mr. Senyondo Mansuli Mayondo Engineering Solutions Ltd, Ms. Joseph Steven Mpagi Kalibbala Electrical Controls and Switchgear Ltd (ECS), Mr. Aga Sekalala Ugachick Poultry Breeders, Mr. Richard Mubiru Southern Range Nyanza, Mr. Mwine Jim Kabeho East African Packaging Solutions.
Others are; Mr. Lalani Sikander Roofings Group, Mr. Hemnabh Khatau Cable Corporation, Mr. Simon Kaheru Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Mr. Adinarayana Balcha General Mouldings (U) Ltd, Ms. Shifa Kaddu Peacock Paints, Hajji Ibrahim Lule Tropicana Spices, Mr. Senkumba Eddie Nice House of Plastics, Ms. Lydia Mwesigwa Mesha Steel Ltd.
