The Minister of State for Trade Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi has urged local manufacturers and producers to prioritize quality branding and packaging to effectively position themselves in the competitive market both domestically and internationally.
Mbadi was officiating at the closing ceremony of the 3 days’ masterclass training in packaging technology organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in partnership with the Institute of Packaging Partners of Uganda (IPPU) and the World Packaging Organisation, supported by the International Trade Center and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
In his remarks, Gen. Mbadi noted that good packaging is key to accessing markets for products and together with product quality, it plays even a bigger role in sustaining the markets.
“Packaging is no longer a mere afterthought in value addition. It is a decisive factor in market competitiveness, food safety, environmental sustainability, and consumer trust”, said Mbadi
He emphasized that good packaging must create premium perception in the marketplace. “Your packaging needs to stand out from your competitors. It should make customers think high-end premium products”, said Mbadi
He challenged the participants to elevate local products to compete with international brands currently dominating Ugandan markets.
“We are currently running the Buy Uganda Build Uganda campaign that aims at promoting local produced goods and services. However, without good packaging and proper branding of these products, this campaign will not yield much”, intimated Mbadi
He added that government of Uganda has made strides in improving the packaging sector through the formation of the Institute of Packaging Partners of Uganda in 2023 which brings together packaging professionals, manufacturers, processors, traders, policy institutions and academia. The institute is charged with promoting high standards and professionalism, building local capacity and strengthening Uganda’s packaging value chain.
He added that the masterclass training in packaging technology was timely, organized when Uganda has just acquired the country barcode for her products and is currently working on the marketing and branding strategy. He said the masterclass training is part of Uganda’s journey to improving the packaging sector.
“The journey of improving Uganda’s packaging sector is not a sprint, but a continuous process that requires investment, technological innovation, collaboration, and policy support. With the momentum built here, I am confident that we are on the right path”, said Mbadi
He urged the participants to take the lessons learned during the training and apply them in their industries, cooperatives, SMEs, and enterprises, and be the spark that drives product excellence, export readiness, and industrial competitiveness.
“What you have learned her should spark innovation and drive product excellence, export readiness and competitiveness as we pursue our critical policies of import substitution and export promotion.”
The outgoing President of the World Packaging Organisation and main facilitator during the masterclass training Prof. Pierre Pienaar noted that WPO will continue to work with Uganda to improve the packaging sector and position Uganda as a regional leader in packaging excellence and manufacturing competitiveness.
Prof. Charles Muyanja, the Chairperson of IPPU assured the participants that this masterclass marks the beginning of Uganda’s packaging transformation. He said plans are underway for more specialized training programs focusing on specific technical aspects of packaging technology and handling specific value chains.
The training which took place at Protea Hotel from 5th to 7th August brought together stakeholders in the packaging Sector including manufacturers, producers of packaging materials, graphic designers, development partners, government Ministries, Departments and Agencies among others. It was organized under the theme ‘Enhancing Value Addition, market access and sustainable industrialization’
Uganda is one of the three African countries selected to host the masterclass training in packaging technology in Africa. Others are Tanzania and Morocco.
