Presidents to grace the 28th UMA International Trade Fair as Total Energies sign UGX450 Million MOU for 3 years.
Drake Nyamugabwa
The 28th Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) International Trade Fair for 2022 has been blended to with the gracing of the Presidents including the newly elected President of Kenya, H.E. Ruto William, who will officiate at the opening, Presidents of Uganda H.E Museveni Yoweri, and other African Presidents.
The 2022 Trade show slated to commence on 3rd to 10th October 2022 is expected to attract over 1000 exhibiter at Lugogo Show grounds was announced during a press conference that was held on Thursday 15th September 16, 2022, at UMA Lugogo.
During the press conference, Total Energies Uganda signed a Memorandum of understanding with UMA to sponsor the event for 3 consecutive years. Total Energies handed over the dummy cheque of UGX150 Million for this year’s Platinum Sponsorship.
Other sponsors include Next Media, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Tembo Steel, and Madhvan among others.
The theme of the 28th UMA trade show: “Business Recognition by harnessing local sourcing and deepening value chains”
According to the Chairman, UMA Deo Kayemba, said that the trade fair over the years has enabled the growth of local brands recognized both in the local and foreign markets.
He said that the fair is continuing to attract local and foreign exhibitors that have to create visibility for their products, innovations, and solution to local challenges.
“Over a period 28 years, the trade fair has prepared awareness that has resulted in the growth of numerous brands locally recognized locally, regionally, and international markets. The fair is a spotlight of participants in the recovery projects y continuing to innovate and provide solutions for post-COVI-19 challenges” he said.
The Executive Director UMA Birungi Daniel while applauding Total Energies for their sponsorship of the fair, said the annual trade fair that has resumed after 2 years due to the lock down of the pandemic,
“This time around, the expenditure incorporates hosting presidents and heads of State of different countries who are going to visit the trade fair. At the opening ceremony, we anticipate having His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr William Ruto, to open the event and the closing ceremony will be presided by President Museveni alongside other heads of State,” he said
He said that members of the public will be required to pay Shs10, 000 each to attend the trade fair through a partners who will manage entry to the trade fair.
Ms Omotosele Josephine Akinpelu, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Total Energies Uganda said “Our Commitment is to sustainably energize the future of business in Uganda and this includes creating enabling environment to the SMEs and our customers. We are also excited about the opportunity to celebrate 60 years of independence and commit to providing sustainable and convenient energy solutions to accommodate this improved access to our products through fuel card and our sister affiliate, Total Energies EP,”
She added that Total Energies sees the sponsorship of UMA trade fair of UGX150 Million as an investment in each of the businesses that will showcase their products adding that they will the trade fair display a full range of products.
