EAC told to refine laws affecting entrepreneurs’ growth

LAWS | ENTREPRENEURS | AWARDS

KAMPALA - Workers Member of Parliament Adudulhu Byakatonda has urged the Government to increase dynamics and a supportive environment to help upcoming businesses thrive.

Byakatonda says relevant government agencies in the East African Community (EAC) region should refine regulations hindering the development of entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the East African Pacesetters awarding ceremony at the refine Serena Hotel, Byakatonda said innovation can transform the products and services in the economic sector.

The Pacesetter Awards, which took place on Friday, is an annual industry leadership recognition initiated by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), to celebrate industry leaders' innovations, quality products, services and job creation, among others.

Andrew Alikunya, the President of the Chefs Association Uganda, Joy Katumwine and Haruna Magala speak out as best in the humanity award at Serena Hotel in Kampala. (All Photos by Wilfred Sanya)

Byakatonda, who scooped an award for promoting the growth of industrialisation in Uganda, hailed the Uganda Professional Chefs Union for their hospitality. 

Companies which won awards included Vehicle and equipment leasing for electrical mobility in Africa, Ena Coaches, transport and parcel transportation-Kenya.

Others include Highland beverages Ltd, Service Cops Uganda Ltd, Masai Cable, United SMs Association Kenya, Uganda Crop Care.

Byakatonda said research shows that preferred businesses require an African skilled labour force, good contract laws and transparent business practices.

Executive Director of Communications Jubilant Stewards of Africa, Jared Oundo remarks during the awarding of entrepreneurs.

"In the last 30 years Africa has achieved growth due to policies introduced by political leadership where income per capita has increased four times since 1998," Byakatonda said.

He added that the EAC population of over 300 million people offers a ready market for goods in the region. 

He urged companies from different countries to form partnerships so that they create options for operations in different available markets.

“We have promoted partnerships between African enterprises and foreign companies from Europe, US, Canada and South America to open business in Africa,” he said.

 "The digital economy has thrived in EAC due to the adoption of digital technology and this has enabled significant market valuation of technology in health, education, e-commerce and telecommunication," he said.

Geoffrey Wangolo and Boniface Ochieng of Vehicle and Equipment Leasing Limited are being awarded as best in electrical mobility in Africa.

Achievements

Executive director of Communications in Jubilant Stewards of Africa Jared Oundo said harmonised EAC regional standards for several agricultural products and foods has eased the process of doing business unlike in the past.

Oundo said EAC has set up a customs union and built the capacity of the related trade institutions that have established a common external tariff in the region.

"In Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, they offer a single tourist visa unlike in the past when one had to pay differently for entrance into each country," Oundo said.

A total of 34 companies were awarded trophies and certificates.