By Robert Segawa
The Ugandan government has announced plans to support food processing and production companies by providing the necessary resources to enhance product standards and quality. This initiative is aimed at improving the country’s food production capabilities and ensuring adherence to the required national standards.
Speaking at the 16th AFMASS Food Manufacturing Exhibition at Hotel Africana, Patrick Mugisha, Commissioner at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, emphasized that Uganda has a wide range of food products. He urged food processors to focus on meeting quality demands and consumer expectations.
Mugisha further encouraged innovation, better packaging methods, and the use of laboratories to improve the overall food production process. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to ensure products meet the necessary criteria.
The exhibition, which saw the participation of over 20 food processors, was also attended by industry leaders such as Juma Francis, Chairman of AFMASS Food Manufacturing. Francis hailed Uganda’s position as a food hub in the region and called for greater support from the relevant authorities to aid food processors in reaching their full potential. His goal is to increase the number of food processing booths at the exhibition to 150 by 2030.
Alikuluya Andrew, President of the Uganda Chef Union, also spoke at the event, urging food processors to collaborate with professional chefs who ensure quality standards in food preparation. He highlighted the need for consumers to prioritize professional chefs over unqualified housemaids to prevent incidents of food theft and ensure safety.
The exhibition saw participation from exhibitors across the region, including countries like Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, Turkey, South Africa, and Uganda. Participants showcased a diverse range of products, including cereals, dairy, beverages, and other food items, reinforcing the growing importance of Uganda’s food processing industry.
