Uganda Is Producing More, But Who Is Buying What We Make?

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Uganda is increasing production across agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and other sectors, but says the next test for the economy is whether those goods and services can reach dependable buyers. The piece ties that question to the country’s broader ambition of expanding the economy to US$500 billion by 2040, with stronger demand, distribution and market access presented as essential to that goal.

The article says several government and private-sector initiatives are already pushing production forward, including the Parish Development Model, industrialisation, agro-processing, tourism growth, oil and gas development and preparations for AFCON 2027. It notes that the Parish Development Model has moved money into all 10,589 parishes and is meant to help households shift from subsistence to commercial activity. The report argues that value addition and reliable demand matter because they determine whether producers can turn output into income.

It also points to new sources of demand, including tourism, major events and oil and gas-related supply chains. According to the article, tourism brought in 1.64 million international visitors in 2025 and generated about Shs 5.83 trillion in receipts. The report says these sectors could create wider opportunities for local suppliers, if Ugandan products are visible and available when purchasing decisions are made.

The story highlights the Made in Uganda initiative as one effort aimed at linking producers to customers through digital commerce, retail, delivery and product discovery. Venture Lead Moses Byaruhanga is quoted saying stronger commercial pathways are needed so Ugandan products can be discovered, distributed and bought. More broadly, the article frames market access as the bridge between production gains and sustainable enterprise growth.