Ugandan leather companies seek state support
The Uganda Leather Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association has asked the country’s government for support to boost its capacity, local media have reported. Victoria Ssenkubuge, the association’s chairperson, said that marketing through international exhibitions sponsorships would enable the subsector to achieve its untapped potential.
“We need help to strengthen our technical capacity and product volumes for the local and international markets,” said Ms Ssenkubuge during the launch of the association in Kampala.
She said the move would also support government’s import substitution drive. She also said Uganda was among the first 10 African countries with the world’s best quality leather.
“Meaning that our products have a comparative advantage, but the marketing constraints make the country less competitive at international market fronts,” she said.
Uganda has approximately 500 leather manufacturers, with more than 150 based in Kampala. The association was recently launched with 25 members, which, according to the chairperson, was a good start.
Amelia Kyambadde, Uganda’s trade minister, promised to help small-and- medium enterprises through a directorate soon to be created under her ministry. “We are focusing on helping small businesses in the informal sector to boost their capacity to enter foreign markets,” the minister said.
