Vision Group, TotalEnergies commit to support upcoming Uganda International Trade Fair

Vision Group and TotalEnergies Uganda have committed to support the upcoming 29^th Uganda International Trade Fair.  

The theme of the fair highlights the pivotal role that digital transformation and innovation plays in enhancing manufacturing and trade efficiency. 

TotalEnergies contributed sh150m as the platinum sponsor, with Vision Group contributing sh60m as the media partner to publicise the contribution of science and technology that has been driven by the information age strategies. 

The annual trade fair will be hosted at the Uganda Manufacturing Association (UMA) showgrounds in Lugogo, Kampala on October 3-10, 2023. 

A group photo of sponsors of the UGITF 2023 that shall run from 3rd to 10th October 2023 at UMA show ground (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

The UMA International Trade Fair has been an integral part of the national calendar for 29 years, providing a dynamic platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, network and explore new opportunities. With an average of 300,000 visitors expected, this event stands as a testament to the Ugandan spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. 

The event will cast a spotlight on the creative power of industrialists and their ability to leverage technological advancements for value addition, Uganda Manufacturers Board chairperson Deo Kayemba said. 

Cathy Muwumuza the superintendent support services Science Technology and Innovation Secretariat signing a platinum sponsor dummy cheque (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

"We invite businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators from every sector to join us at the UMA 29^th Uganda International Trade Fair. This event is not just a platform for showcasing products but a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of innovation,” he said. 

Together, we will drive manufacturing and trade efficiency through digital transformation, stated Kayemba. 

“This is one of the successes Uganda has achieved towards a 61-year-old independence journey from the British administration while seeking to transform the economy from pleasantly to manufacturing, industrialisation and science and technology,” he said. 

Lorraine Tukahirwa Vision Group marketing manager (Photo by Mpalanyi Sentongo)

While addressing the press conference at UMA show ground offices at Lugogo in Kampala on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Lorraine Tukahirwa, the Vision Group marketing manager, urged local manufacturers to use digital platforms to exhibit their content and innovations to be able to share from the market competitiveness in the East African Community (EAC) region. 

“As the multimedia company, we shall have to showcase Vision Publishing where we disseminate transformative information through books, autobiographies and novels where people are able to tell their life-time stories and business ideas to the wider market in the whole world,” Tukahirwa added.   

Deo J.B. Kayemba, UMA Chairman (Photo by Mpalanyi Sentongo)

Tukahirwa revealed that it is through up-to-date technology that the company has managed to discover out-door advertising as the new marketing possibilities to Uganda’s local industries to gain visibility and innovativeness in the competitive world. 

“Technology is fast changing and we need to sensitise our people to embrace technology to help them maximise production in the short run and be able to market their innovations to the outside world as fast as possible,” Tukahirwa said. 

Cathy Muwumuza, Superintendent Support Services, Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat representing the Minister Dr. Monica Musenero at the event /Photo by Mpalanyi Sentongo

Omotesele Akinpelu, the acting managing director of TotalEnergies Uganda, said they have already embarked on a transition to provide cleaner and more renewable energy solutions that meet their customers’ needs. 

“We are also innovating to create more convenience through our fuel card and partnering with like-minded individuals to provide access to quicker e-payment platforms to facilitate trade,” she added. 

The trade show shall be ably sponsored by Total Energies, Marketing Uganda Limited, Science Technology and Innovation Secretariat, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Uganda Insurers Association, Tembo Steels Limited, and Kiboko Enterprises. 

Omotesele Akinpelu, Acting Managing Director Total Energies/Photo by Mpalanyi Sentongo

Science Technology and Innovation Secretariat (STI) also pledged equivalent support to be regarded as one of the platinum sponsors at the colorful event while supervising the strategic direction taken by the Government of Uganda to support and facilitate innovations from the mushrooming Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. 

Bronze sponsors of the event were Tembo Steels Limited, Stanbic Bank Uganda (sh50m), Uganda Insurers Association (UIA) and KBS Tv in Kampala.