UGANDA MEANS BUSINESS

An unprecedented surge in demand for consumer goods makes Uganda a lucrative market in Sub-Saharan Africa

B usinessmen in the United Arab Emirates have been keeping a keen eye on Uganda's economic performance as the country continues to develop into a rapidly emerging market for consumer and capital goods from the Middle East. As the next century approaches there is a mood of optimism and a belief that Uganda will once again emerge as the 'Pearl of Africa' - the name given to it by the late Sir Winston Churchill in 1908.

Traders and business people in the United Arab Emirates realise the great potential the country holds as an up-and-coming market and are now beginning to penetrate the Ugandan market in a big way. A large contingent of UAE companies will be participating in the forthcoming 3rd Afro Business Trade Fair which is being organised in Kampala. This trade fair is sure to provide a further boost in UAE-Uganda trade ties as it will provide UAE-based companies an opportunity to sell directly into the Ugandan market instead of routing its merchandise through Kenya.

Dubai's re-exports to Uganda have more than doubled in the last 5 years due to increased trade between the two countries. As more and more Ugandans realise the benefits and convenience of doing business with Dubai, these figures are sure to rise in the coming years. Already Dubai has emerged as a favourite shopping destination for the people of Uganda. "The availability of quality goods at competitive prices is attracting a growing number of Ugandans to Dubai," says Paolo Mayanja, former Area Manager of Uganda Airlines in Dubai.

Uganda's economic performance in the last few years has generated a lot of interest in business circles around the world. Economists believe that the country has an economy with great potential as it is endowed with significant natural resources, including amply fertile land, regular rainfall, rich mineral deposits and a skilled labour force. Little wonder then that economic forecasts for Uganda predict that the country is now poised for rapid economic growth and development.

The Ugandan economy registered an unprecedented GDP growth rate of 10 per cent in 1995, making it the fastest growing economy in the whole of Africa. Inflation, which had been rising at an alarming pace in the early 80's dropped from 300% in 1987 to less than 30% in 1990. Add to this the political stability and liberal economic policies of the current government and you’ll know why Uganda has suddenly become the centre of attraction in the East African region.

Political stability has been the cornerstone of economic success in Uganda. Since President Museveni came to power in 1986 there has been peace in most parts of the country. Recent presidential elections have further boosted the country’s image and provided a platform for further economic development. In the last 10 years Uganda has made an impressive recovery from its turbulent past. Today, the country's economy is on the upswing following the implementation of a structural adjustment programme recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF): in the last year the economy grew by over seven per cent. Though the economy is still based on agriculture, with coffee accounting for up to 80 per cent of export earnings, yet the manufacturing sector has also gained in prominence. New industries have recently been set up for processing of vanilla, fish fillets and roses for export. Although Uganda’s major export markets are Europe and the USA, the Middle East is fast emerging as a big market for Uganda. Uganda’s exports to the Middle East constitute cotton, tea, tobacco hides, skins, vegetables, fruits, and fish.

Uganda's relations to the Arab world go back to the 1830s when Arab traders moved inland from their enclaves along the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa and reached the interior of Uganda. Since then, Uganda has had cordial relations with the Arab world. As member of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), Uganda is considered as an ally and friend by all Arab countries.

Tourism, which used to be Uganda's fourth largest source of foreign exchange until the troubles of the 1970s, is another area of potential growth in UAE-Uganda relations. Uganda is home to about two-thirds of the rare mountain gorillas which still live in the wild. This and other opportunities to view primates such as man's closest relative, the chimpanzee, are attracting a growing number of visitors from all over the world. A concerted international marketing campaign by the Uganda Tourist Board (UTB) will go a long way in luring more visitors from the region. Till now, the private sector has taken the initiative to promote Uganda's tourist attractions abroad. Sheraton Kampala, for instance, played an instrumental role in introducing Uganda as a tourist destination to the Middle East travellers when they participated at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. "The Middle East remains an untapped market,” says Grace Muguluma, former director of sales and marketing of Kampala Sheraton. "We are hoping that increasing trade ties will further boost inbound tourist traffic from the Middle East," she said.

Today, Uganda is passing through a transitional phase in its economic evolution. Until 1972, Asians, who constituted the largest non-indigenous ethnic group in Uganda, were the main players in the financial markets of the country. In that year, the Idi Amin regime expelled 50,000 Asians, who had been engaged in trade, industry, and various professions. In the years since Amin’s overthrow in 1979, the country began a programme of economic recovery that received considerable foreign assistance.

Uganda today is a country at peace. It boasts the fastest-growing economy in East Africa, and is working to better the lives of it's people by moving towards a representative government and laying the groundwork to establish a viable commercial market. Uganda's economy grew by 4 per cent in 2003, and since 1992 some $350 million in foreign investment has flowed into the country. The inflation rate has dropped to under 10 per cent from a high of 250 per cent in 1987. Reform programs have slashed government employment by half, and reduced ministries by a third and the armed forces by 30 per cent.

As the relationship between the international business community and Uganda develops in scope and stature, plenty of opportunities are becoming available to Ugandan exporters as well as foreign investors, entrepreneurs and holiday travellers. Given such a positive climate, the joint efforts of the Ugandan government and private sector organisations to create an ever-greater economic bond are also expected to gain momentum in the coming years.

Kampala
CITY ON THE MOVE

Kampala, the capital city of Uganda is spread over ten hills and derives its name from Kasozi k'empala, "the hill of antelopes". The origins of the city go back to 1891 when the Kabaka (king) of Buganda had his court on Mengo hill. It grew to municipal status in 1950 and became a city in 1962. Today, as you stand on the hills, the city provides magnificent ever green view gently disrupted by red-tiled villas, green iron-roofed bungalows, as well as taller modern city profiles that give way to attractive views of the surrounding countryside and nearby Lake Victoria. The city has retained its traditional charm, and remains the greenest in Africa. Kampala is the heart of Uganda, the center of commercial life the seat of the government. It is a vibrant modern metropolis adorned with gardens and parks providing colourful oases for its citizens and vistors alike. Hotel facilities with state-of-the-art conference facilities, to offer accommodation for the more budget-minded. The broad range of cultures in Uganda is also reflected in the wide choice of restaurants in the city, all featuring the wonderful produce of the country’s fertile countryside and fish-filled lakes. The Nile Hotel International, one of the most reputed hotels in Kampala is recommended for a comfortable and pleasant stay in Uganda. The hotel combines African surroundings and aura with modern amenities and world-class facilities to provide a unique African experience. Sheraton Kampala is another good hotel for those looking for world-class amenities. Our recommendations - Well, Nile Hotel International... undoubtedly!

Business Advise
HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS IN UGANDA

There are a few easy ways to make your presence felt in the markets of Uganda and neighbouring countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and of course the huge market of the Democatic Republic of Congo (formerly known as Zaire).

The first and foremost, and by far the most effective, is to establish direct contacts with your business counterparts in these regions by participating in the forthcoming 3rd AFRO BUSINESS TRADE FAIR which is being held in Kampala, Uganda just before Christmas season. Supported by the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and the COMESA Business Community Committee, the AFRO BUSINESS TRADE FAIR has established itself as one of East Africa’s prime trade events. In the past few years, many international companies, specially from the Middle East, have used the AFRO BUSINESS TRADE FAIR to improve their presence in the East African markets. Information on participation and stall availibility can be obtained from the Organisers.

You can also obtain important information on how to set up your own company in Uganda and the various benefits of investing in the country from Uganda Investment Authority which is the prime authority on the subject. The Uganda Investment Authority serves as a one-stop information centre for prospective investors and helps in all aspects of foreign direct investments into Uganda.

The growing use and influence of the Internet can also be harnessed to promote your business in the African markets. By posting your business proposals on the African Classified Advertisements section, you can expect direct responses from your business counterparts in African countries. Employing the growing influence of Internet technology to promote your business in international markets is one of the most simple and effective promotional tool for forward-looking enterpreuners. Simply post your message and wait for the results. Simple!

Last, but not least, add your company to the Advertising Section of the Africa Business Pages. The Advertising Section will carry a full page editorial about your company as well as two pictures of your company's products. In addition to this, your company will also be provided with a direct link in the Business Links section. By promoting your company on the Africa Business Pages you can reap rich dividends. An absolute essential for those targetting the African market. Browse through some samples before taking a decision.

 

Related Companies
	Uganda Business Directory Download the UGANDA BUSINESS DIRECTORY and contact importers in Uganda, exporters in Uganda, wholesalers in Uganda as well as companies in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja...
	Abdul Hadi Trading All kinds of Tyres, Tubes for trucks, trailers, passenger cars, forklift tyres, solid tyres, pneumatic tyres, offroad tyres, agricultural tyres. Supplies many Chinese, Korean and Indian tyre brands...
	Bagader Trading Est Supplier of Tyres, Tubes and Batteries in Dubai. GT Radial, Chengshan, Starfire, DoubleStar as well as Rocket Battery, Tokyo Battery. Also supplies Korean Tubes of all sizes...
	BBG Trading Exporter of Chinese and Korean tyres and tubes to many African markets. Major brands include Westlake Tyres, Good Ride Tyres, Hankook Tyres, Chaoyang Tyres...
	Infinity Tyres Exporter of Infinity brand of Tyres to Africa for Passenger Car Tyres, Light Truck Tyres, Bus Tyres, Agricultural Tyres, Industrial Tyres, OTR (Off-The Road) Tyres...
	Abdul Zahir Bashir General Trading A major exporter of tyres, tubes, batteries and lubricants to Africa from Dubai. Deals in several popular brands like Double Star Tyres, Triangle Tyres, Rock Stone, Crown, Sonar, Durun, Ling Long, Three A. Also deals in popular batteries like Platinum, SBK, Mustang, MF Power etc.
	VRB Trades FZE Importer, exporter, wholesaler and stockist of a wide range of Indian, Chinese and Korean tyres. Has been a leading supplier of tyres to many African markets...
	Zafco Trading One of the largest suppliers of tyres in Dubai dealing in popular tyre brands like Otani Tyres, Roadstone Tyres, Zeetex Tyres, Double Coin Tyres, Siam Tyres. Sole distributor in UAE for Trane Batteries and SB Batteries. Leading supplier to importers of tyres in Afica...