Private sector to promote local products
THE Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) is to launch a campaign to encourage consumption of Ugandan products. Under the theme “Linking Ugandan Products to Ugandan Minds,†the campaign will run under the “Buy Ugandan, Buy Quality†slogan.
By Stephen Ilungole
and Kiganda Ssonko
THE Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) is to launch a campaign to encourage consumption of Ugandan products. Under the theme “Linking Ugandan Products to Ugandan Minds,†the campaign will run under the “Buy Ugandan, Buy Quality†slogan.
The month-long campaign will involve media blitz including three huge billboards in Kampala, radio adverts, a corporate quiz, radio call-in competitions, school children essay competitions, TV and radio talk shows.
It will also have print media adverts, roundabout blitz, a website, 10,000 fliers and 5,000 posters.
It will cover products like vegetable cooking oils, textiles and garments, cosmetics, paints, beverages, construction materials, reading materials, mattresses and furniture, plastics, rice, footwear and soaps.
A two-day quality demonstration exhibition by 45 local firms has been organised to emphasise the campaign.
It will run from November 6 to 7 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association Main Exhibition Hall in Lugogo, Kampala.
Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, the premier, will launch the campaign.
“The campaign aims at changing consumer perceptions that Ugandan products are of poor quality. We want Ugandans to have confidence and trust in local products,†Sarah Nakibuuka, the PSFU communications officer, explained in a statement.
“The outcomes of the changed perceptions are increased consumer preferences towards Ugandan products, capacity utilisation, employment, incomes, purchasing power, domestic market size, profitability and advertising budgets of the private sector,†she said.
“As the umbrella organisation of the private sector, we appeal to all Ugandans who are concerned about increasing jobs and employment as well as solving the poverty problem, to consider buying products made in Uganda.
“If all Ugandans switch to Ugandan products, more of our friends and relatives will get jobs.
“Switching from imports to Ugandan goods is a critical means of creating jobs locally, and providing hope for millions of the poor and unemployed.â€
Ruth Musoke, the PSFU director for member services, explained that the private sector utilised only 60% of its capacity.
“The remaining 40% capacity denies many Ugandans jobs yet poverty continues to bite more than 30% of all Ugandans.
“This unutilised potential is increased whenever Ugandans buy imports instead of buying goods or services provided by Ugandan firms,†Musoke asserted.
She disclosed that nearly $1b was spent on imported goods and services annually.
The same goods and services, she said, are produced locally by reputable companies and individuals and they are of high quality standards and.
She said the Uganda National Bureau of Standards had been awarded quality marks to over 150 local companies.
However, she added, several Ugandans were still consuming fake imported goods.
“Our campaign is practical because the private sector has to continuously improve on quality, match or beat prices and perfect distribution,†she said.
John Ssempebwa, the PSFU director for trade development, said the campaign was a time for all Ugandans to take stock of their accomplishments as a nation, and to stand up for their country.
“There is abundant positive evidence for being proudly Ugandan and for supporting quality Ugandan products. This effort will make all Ugandans proud of what we produce, and of the services we offer.
“By identifying the Ugandan quality goods and services available, the campaign will instill a deep pride in our people as a nation that we can produce the best in the world,†Ssempebwa said.
and Kiganda Ssonko
THE Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) is to launch a campaign to encourage consumption of Ugandan products. Under the theme “Linking Ugandan Products to Ugandan Minds,†the campaign will run under the “Buy Ugandan, Buy Quality†slogan.
The month-long campaign will involve media blitz including three huge billboards in Kampala, radio adverts, a corporate quiz, radio call-in competitions, school children essay competitions, TV and radio talk shows.
It will also have print media adverts, roundabout blitz, a website, 10,000 fliers and 5,000 posters.
It will cover products like vegetable cooking oils, textiles and garments, cosmetics, paints, beverages, construction materials, reading materials, mattresses and furniture, plastics, rice, footwear and soaps.
A two-day quality demonstration exhibition by 45 local firms has been organised to emphasise the campaign.
It will run from November 6 to 7 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association Main Exhibition Hall in Lugogo, Kampala.
Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, the premier, will launch the campaign.
“The campaign aims at changing consumer perceptions that Ugandan products are of poor quality. We want Ugandans to have confidence and trust in local products,†Sarah Nakibuuka, the PSFU communications officer, explained in a statement.
“The outcomes of the changed perceptions are increased consumer preferences towards Ugandan products, capacity utilisation, employment, incomes, purchasing power, domestic market size, profitability and advertising budgets of the private sector,†she said.
“As the umbrella organisation of the private sector, we appeal to all Ugandans who are concerned about increasing jobs and employment as well as solving the poverty problem, to consider buying products made in Uganda.
“If all Ugandans switch to Ugandan products, more of our friends and relatives will get jobs.
“Switching from imports to Ugandan goods is a critical means of creating jobs locally, and providing hope for millions of the poor and unemployed.â€
Ruth Musoke, the PSFU director for member services, explained that the private sector utilised only 60% of its capacity.
“The remaining 40% capacity denies many Ugandans jobs yet poverty continues to bite more than 30% of all Ugandans.
“This unutilised potential is increased whenever Ugandans buy imports instead of buying goods or services provided by Ugandan firms,†Musoke asserted.
She disclosed that nearly $1b was spent on imported goods and services annually.
The same goods and services, she said, are produced locally by reputable companies and individuals and they are of high quality standards and.
She said the Uganda National Bureau of Standards had been awarded quality marks to over 150 local companies.
However, she added, several Ugandans were still consuming fake imported goods.
“Our campaign is practical because the private sector has to continuously improve on quality, match or beat prices and perfect distribution,†she said.
John Ssempebwa, the PSFU director for trade development, said the campaign was a time for all Ugandans to take stock of their accomplishments as a nation, and to stand up for their country.
“There is abundant positive evidence for being proudly Ugandan and for supporting quality Ugandan products. This effort will make all Ugandans proud of what we produce, and of the services we offer.
“By identifying the Ugandan quality goods and services available, the campaign will instill a deep pride in our people as a nation that we can produce the best in the world,†Ssempebwa said.