H.E President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda hands over the Platinum trophy to Uganda Fish Packers

This was at a colourful 7th President's Export Award (PEA) ceremony graced by H.E President Yoweri Museveni on October 6 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

Fifty four Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were won by companies and individuals who excelled in various categories that helped the country earn a total of $1.01 billion last year after earnings from formal exports hit $812 million from $654 million in 2004.

In his speech, Museveni described the export earnings as "embarrassing" to a country of 28 million people. He compared Uganda’s exports with those of South Korea, Singapore or Malaysia countries which were below Uganda in the 60’s.

He then went ahead to acknowledge the dire situation of Uganda’s exports when the NRM government took power in 1986. “Oruga okuzimu tagaya mushana”. The proverb translated, means, “when you emerge from the darkness, you appreciate whatever little moon[light] you have seen”. Uganda has begun to see the light therefore. In 10 years to come, H.E hopes not only to industrialise Uganda but to achieve total transformation. “The competitiveness of a nation is readily shown by its exports”, he remarked.

He implored UEPB to focus on all markets, domestic, regional and international, citing the example of China which has sustained double digit growth mainly due to exports to the wealthy American market worth US$ 10 Trillion.

The Executive Director, Uganda Export Promotions Board (UEPB) Executive Director, Mrs Florence said despite numerous challenges, the country had succeeded to surpass the $1 billion export earnings mark. Including services, Uganda earned a landmark US$ 1.5 Billion.

The annual event is a rewarding ceremony to encourage exporters to provide excellent products, services and observe standards.

Minister of Tourism Trade and Industry, Hon Janat Mukwaya hands over Gold to Rosebud Ltd representative

The Minister of Tourism Trade and Industry, Hon. Janet Mukwaya, the Minister of East African Affairs, Hon. Eriya Kategaya along with several Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament attended the function.

Museveni attributed the low earnings to companies exporting mostly unprocessed agricultural goods that fetch fewer dollars. "Fresh commodities like flowers and fish need some proper management right from the farm to the airport," he said.

He called on the ministry of Trade and Industry and UEPB to promote value addition adding that if this was addressed Uganda would be earning ten times more than the figures quoted.

He promised to have dialogue with the export community as the government continues to seek solutions to internal problems of energy, costs of loans and transport among others.

H.E President Museveni addresses exporters at the Award Ceremony

Exporters listened to two international guest speakers; Mr. Matanda Wabuyele the CEO of Export Promotion Council of Kenya and Mr. Ton Lansik, the CEO of the CBI-Netherlands.

A cake commemorating UEPB’s 10 years of existence was cut by the ED/UEPB Mrs. Florence Kata, Her Excellency the Netherlands Ambassador Mrs. Brandt and Mr. Patrick Bitature, Chairman Brand Uganda.

An export consortium comprising 50 export consultants trained under the EAC capacity building program was launched. H.E President Museveni heralded the consortium, and wished the “magicians” well in their endeavour to equip our exporters with the requisite knowledge to penetrate complex markets of Europe and America

Winners

Uganda Fish Packers exceptional performance was attributed to its 43 per cent contribution to the country's export earnings for 2005 worth $21.1 million (Shs38 billion).

The company worked towards International Standards Organization (ISO) certification, created direct employment for 5,000 Ugandans and over 10,000 are indirect jobs and invested in good beach management.

"We expected it and we are happy for Uganda fish packers winning the award is victory for the entire fish industry which has contributed tremendously to the development of exports through quality control and value addition," the General Manager Mr Sujal Goswami said.

Uganda's fish exports in 2005 were dominated by the European Union [46 per cent] and Comesa [26.1 per cent] markets.

Kata said the high cost of doing business in Uganda continues to products uncompetitive on global market.

The event under the theme: Casting the net wide: The regional export agenda saw 30 product groups in the 12 broad sector categories considered in the competition.

Sixteen companies and an Ambassador won gold each, representing a specific sub-sector and brought in earnings above $2 million (Shs3.6 billion).

PEA WINNERS IN ALL CATEGORIES

GOLD AWARD WINNERS

SILVER AWARD WINNERS

BRONZE AWARD WINNERS

SPECIAL CATEGORIES (BRONZE)