Manufacturing now contributes 16.5% to Uganda’s economy as industrialisation drive intensifies

What the report says

Uganda is intensifying its industrialisation drive as the government works to expand manufacturing, improve value addition and grow exports, according to Nile Post’s report on remarks by Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna at the 3rd Annual Industrialization Conference 2026. The article says manufacturing now contributes 16.5% to the economy, while industrial activities account for 27.2% of GDP.

The government’s stated priorities include developing industrial parks, improving access to affordable energy and finance, and opening up larger markets through regional trade blocs such as the EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA. Nile Post reported that Uganda’s manufactured exports are worth about US$1.1 billion annually, reflecting the sector’s growing role in foreign exchange earnings and efforts to reduce reliance on raw commodity exports.

Tanna said the policy focus is on agro-based, extractive-based and knowledge-intensive industries, with an emphasis on building productive capacity, creating jobs and keeping more value within the country. The report also noted a planned National Industries Register and National Industrial Manufacturing Information System to improve data on the industrial base and support planning, investment promotion and infrastructure targeting.

The broader significance is that Uganda is trying to shift toward a more diversified industrial economy, which could strengthen supply chains, widen the tax base and reduce imports. The article adds that Uganda will host the 3rd Regional Industrialization Conference on August 18–19, where governments, investors and manufacturers are expected to discuss competitiveness and regional value chains.