PACEID breaks silence on Rwabwogo attacks

What the report says

The Observer reports that the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has responded to online criticism targeting the committee and its chairman, Odrek Rwabwogo. In a statement issued on July 28, PACEID said unnamed actors were circulating misleading claims and personal attacks that it viewed as aimed at damaging the institution’s reputation rather than encouraging accountability.

According to The Observer, the statement came amid a public dispute involving Rwabwogo and David Kabanda, the Kasambya County MP in Mubende and head of the chairman’s office in the Patriot League of Uganda. PACEID did not address particular allegations in detail, but said it supports constructive criticism, informed debate and public scrutiny while rejecting what it described as distortions and vilification.

PACEID used the statement to restate its mandate, saying its work remains centred on Uganda’s export growth, industrial development, value addition and expanded market access. The committee said its record over the last four years can be checked through government agencies, private-sector partners and businesses it has worked with. It listed its priorities as improving market access, helping exporters meet quality standards, reducing logistics costs and supporting access to affordable finance.

The committee also outlined a next phase it called “PACEID 2.0,” focused on supply-side barriers to exports. Planned areas include regional aggregation centres, better data collection for farmers, and efforts to help exporters meet large orders and reduce reliance on unprocessed exports. PACEID said it would not engage in personal public exchanges, but reserved the right to seek legal or regulatory redress where statements cross legal boundaries.