Uganda's printing and publishing industry stands at crossroads.
Strategic decisions can significantly impact the economic trajectory of this industry. By harnessing and enhancing local printing capacity, Uganda can save millions of dollars in foreign exchange annually. Currently, Uganda heavily relies on foreign printing services for everything from educational materials to official government documents.
This dependency results in a substantial outflow of foreign currency, which could be reinvested into the domestic economy. Data reveals the extent of the foreign exchange drain. According to Statista, Uganda's import of printed materials reached $35.75 million in 2016, with Germany as a primary trade partner.
Surprisingly, a large portion of these imports are orders placed locally by firms and government entities, bypassing capable local companies.
The education sector exemplifies this trend. Companies awarded contracts to print reading materials during the Covid-19 pandemic and new curriculum textbooks often printed them abroad. Records show a significant budget allocation for textbook procurement in 2020/2021.
However, textbook distribution delays were partly attributed to printing them in the United Arab Emirates by contracted companies. Textbooks and other learning materials are often printed abroad, while government documents, brochures, and promotional materials frequently get outsourced. These practices exacerbate Uganda's foreign exchange deficit.
Several arguments are used to justify outsourcing. Some publishers find it more cost-effective to print abroad, while others cite challenges in achieving high-quality standards, meeting deadlines, and accurately costing projects in Uganda.
Despite this trend, Uganda boasts a robust local printing industry, with entities like the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) and New Vision leading the charge.
The UPPC and other local printers such as MPK, Graphics Systems among others have had a proven track record of handling large-scale printing projects with high quality and efficiency. However, they are often overlooked in favor of foreign firms. This isn't due to a lack of capability, but rather outdated perceptions of quality and reliability.
Shifting printing projects to local companies offers several economic advantages. Retaining foreign exchange reserves is crucial for Uganda's financial health. The saved money can be reinvested in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. It is necessary for the government and private players to support the growth of the local printing industry towards Uganda's national development.
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President Museveni's 2020 directive promoting local printing of essential materials like ballots, banknotes, and passports is a beacon of hope. It underscores the importance of leveraging local expertise for national development.
It is crucial to highlight the significant strides made by local companies within the printing and publishing industry. Researchers such as Professor J.R. Ikoja-Odongo, who authored "Publishing in Uganda with Notes from Africa," have highlighted the rapid growth of Uganda's printing and publishing industry despite longstanding challenges.
Local printers such as UPPC have invested in modern equipment and skilled personnel, enabling them to efficiently manage large volumes of work while maintaining high-quality standards.
The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) again serves as a prime example, boasting state-of-the-art machinery with plans for further upgrades. Such investments position Ugandan printing facilities as world-class entities capable of top-quality work.
With all that, all I would say is that the time is now for Uganda to embrace its local printing industry. By shifting focus from outsourcing to local capabilities, Uganda can save millions, create jobs, and build a stronger, more sustainable economy that will actualize the realization of Vision 2040.
The writer is the managing director at Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC)
