Ugandan local manufacturers, traders, and small-scale producers have been urged to invest in proper packaging solutions as a strategy to improve market competitiveness, reduce food loss, and boost sales both locally and internationally.
This call was made by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, while officially opening a three-day Master Class on Packaging Technology at Pretoria Hotel in Kampala, which runs from August 5th to 7th, 2025.
Hon. Mwebesa underscored the urgent need to modernize packaging practices across Uganda’s production value chains, noting that over 50% of food in the country is currently wasted due to poor packaging and storage methods.
“Proper packaging normally leads to a longer shelf life for food, improves on quality and opens more opportunities to trade,” he told participants drawn from various sectors including agribusiness, retail, and manufacturing.
The training, aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with modern packaging knowledge, comes at a time when Uganda’s industrial sector is experiencing rapid growth.
Since 1986, the number of industries has expanded from just 80 to more than 9,000 today, positioning manufacturing as a major contributor to national development.
Despite this progress, Hon. Mwebesa pointed out that many producers still struggle to compete in regional and global markets due to substandard packaging that undermines product appeal and safety.
“As we industrialize, we must also ensure our products are well-packaged to meet global standards,” he said.
The Master Class is expected to address key gaps in the sector by offering hands-on training on sustainable packaging, branding, labeling, and shelf-life optimization.
With Ugandan products increasingly targeting East African, continental, and overseas markets, experts say improved packaging is not just a marketing tool but a gateway to trade expansion and food security.
Government pledged continued support through policy, training, and partnerships to ensure that Ugandan producers are well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
