Vice President Jessica Alupo has challenged businesses in Uganda and East Africa to uphold quality, integrity, and consistency in their products and services.
She suggests that producers recognised for excellence should set higher standards for others in their industries.
Alupo made the call in a speech delivered on her behalf by Andrew Matovu, Director of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), during the East African Brand Quality Awards held at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Friday night.
Alupo emphasised the importance of consistency, integrity and quality in building reputable businesses, challenging the winners to set higher benchmarks in their respective industries and inspire others to improve their products and services.
The ceremony brought together business leaders from the mining, manufacturing and services sectors, with discussions focusing on regional trade, access to financing, support for indigenous enterprises and the need to improve the competitiveness of locally produced goods.
Oscar Kamukama, the Director at the East African Business Council, called on regional governments and businesses to increase trade among East Africa instead of relying heavily on external markets.
Kamukama cited intra-European Union trade at about 65 per cent, contrasting it with trade among East African Community member states, which he said remains below 15 per cent.
Kamukama asked the businessmen and women to trade with each other, arguing that stronger regional commercial ties would help businesses access larger markets, increase exports and strengthen the region’s position in continental and global trade.
He said East African countries needed to work together to take advantage of opportunities presented by regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Euro Gold Refinery Chief Executive Officer Benard Feni, popularly known as Mungufeni, described the company’s recognition at the awards as a significant milestone for Uganda’s mining industry.
Feni said the award acknowledged the collective efforts of small-scale and large-scale miners across the country, rather than the achievements of one company alone.
He commended the government, particularly the ministry responsible for mineral development, for initiatives aimed at opening up the sector and providing opportunities for Ugandans to participate in mining.
However, he identified access to financing and lengthy licensing procedures as some of the challenges facing indigenous miners.
Feni said many Ugandan miners are compelled to seek foreign investors because local financial institutions often provide insufficient support for mining ventures.
He argued that greater involvement by Ugandan banks would enable local entrepreneurs to develop their operations while retaining a larger share of the benefits generated from the country’s mineral resources.
“Uganda is naturally blessed and has all the minerals that are available, looking at gold and many others,” Feni said, calling on local banks to support indigenous mining enterprises.
He warned that inadequate domestic financing could leave Ugandan miners dependent on foreign investors, resulting in a substantial share of mining benefits going to external partners.
Feni, who was given two awards, including for his non for profit Organization Mungufeni Foundation, said increased local investment would help ensure that more of the wealth generated from Uganda’s mineral resources remains in the country, supporting domestic enterprise and national development.
He also identified Euro Gold Refinery’s indigenous ownership and consistent performance as factors distinguishing the company within Uganda’s mining industry.
Prudence Kasibante Okonika, Managing Director of K-Roma Limited, the company behind Bella Wines and Bella Juices, said the award recognised the company’s continued investment in product quality and research.
Okonika said the company had also received awards in Italy, adding that its recognition at the East African Brand Quality Awards reflected sustained efforts to maintain high standards.
She said K-Roma Limited prioritises consumer safety and well-being over short-term profits, explaining that product quality is central to the company’s operations.
According to Okonika, the company invests time and resources in research to ensure that its products meet the standards expected by consumers.
She urged Ugandans to support locally manufactured products, arguing that buying Ugandan brands helps strengthen domestic businesses, sustain employment and create opportunities for local producers.
Okonika said greater support for local enterprises could encourage manufacturers to invest further in research, innovation and improved production standards..
She also called for increased attention to local industries and the participation of farmers in domestic value chains, noting that stronger local production could contribute to employment creation and economic development.
Unity Skin Care Clinic General Manager Rehmah Nabasumba said the clinic’s recognition as the best skincare clinic in East Africa was a testament to its commitment to serving clients and providing skincare services.
Nabasumba said the award reflected the work of the clinic’s team and the trust placed in it by clients seeking solutions to different skin conditions.
She said the clinic intends to build on the recognition by improving its services and continuing to meet clients’ skincare needs.
Nabasumba also advised people experiencing skin problems to remain consistent with their treatment and skincare routines instead of frequently moving between different clinics.
She explained that repeatedly changing skincare providers can make it difficult to monitor progress and determine whether a particular treatment is effective.
“Anyone who has a skin issue should be consistent. If you have gone to one skin clinic, please stick to it because the results come out,” Nabasumba said.
She urged clients to follow professional guidance and give their skincare routines sufficient time and consistency to assess progress.
Also featured prominently was the need to create more employment opportunities for young people and equip them with practical skills to participate in business and industrial development.
One of the speakers noted that young people aged between 13 and 18 account for approximately 28.6 per cent of Uganda’s population, underscoring the importance of preparing the younger generation for future economic participation.
The business owners were also called upon to invest in skills development and support young people with entrepreneurial ambitions so they can establish enterprises and contribute to the economy.
The East African Brand Quality Awards provide a platform for businesses to showcase their achievements and reflect on the role of quality in building consumer confidence and expanding market opportunities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
