Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has urged the government to prioritize support for Ugandan enterprises during his address at the launch of Birungi Unlimited, a business-focused book that celebrates local entrepreneurial success.
Tayebwa, speaking to a diverse audience of business leaders and policymakers, emphasized that the nation must build and support its industries, reduce dependency on imports, and create opportunities for Ugandans to expand their businesses.
One notable point of pride, he shared, was that Uganda has now ceased importing gloves, a shift he credited to the resilience and capabilities of local manufacturers.
"It's a milestone for us. We are witnessing Ugandan companies rise to fill critical gaps, and this is a direction we must support to empower our local industries," Tayebwa stated.
Addressing the growing demand for locally-led infrastructure projects, Tayebwa acknowledged that some Ugandans still have preferences for foreign contractors over local firms for major projects.
However, he commended the government's recent stance to prioritize local companies for such contracts, describing this as a significant step toward enhancing national capacity.
"The government's support for Ugandan companies helps build skills, create jobs, and keep revenue within the country," he asserted.
Tayebwa also turned his focus to the escalating costs of fuel, which he attributed to intermediaries who inflate prices for their gain.
"The high cost of fuel is straining households and businesses alike," he said, advocating for subsidies to ease the burden on Ugandans.
" We are glad the price of fuel is now coming down from shs7000 to ssh5000 now," he added.
According to Tayebwa, reducing reliance on middlemen is critical to controlling prices and ensuring that essential commodities like fuel remain affordable. He emphasized that with proactive measures in place, Ugandan products could become more competitive and accessible.
As Uganda navigates a path toward economic self-sufficiency, Tayebwa's call to action serves as a reminder of the potential of supporting Ugandan products and the vital role of government in facilitating this transformation.
