Uganda’s drive toward economic transformation has received fresh momentum following the official assumption of office by Hon. Sanjay Tanna as the new Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Hon. Tanna outlined a clear vision centered on strengthening Uganda’s trade competitiveness, expanding exports, accelerating industrialization, and empowering cooperatives as key drivers of wealth creation and job growth.
The new minister expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the confidence placed in him and pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors. He also commended former Minister Francis Mwebesa, the Ministers of State, the Permanent Secretary, and the ministry staff for their dedication and service.
According to Hon. Tanna, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives remain one of the most important institutions in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
BUBU at the Center of Trade Growth
A key highlight of Hon. Tanna’s remarks was his commitment to promoting locally made products through the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.
The BUBU initiative continues to play a critical role in supporting local manufacturers, increasing market access for Ugandan products, reducing dependence on imports, and creating opportunities for businesses across the country.
By prioritizing Made-in-Uganda products and expanding export markets, the ministry aims to strengthen domestic industries while positioning Uganda as a competitive player in regional and international trade.
Four Key Priorities for the Ministry
Hon. Tanna outlined four major priorities that will guide his leadership:
- Promoting Made-in-Uganda Products and Exports
The ministry will strengthen the implementation of the BUBU policy while supporting businesses to access local, regional, and global markets. - Accelerating Industrialization and Job Creation
The focus will be on value addition, increased production, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which remain vital contributors to employment and economic growth. - Strengthening Cooperatives and SACCOs
Recognizing the role of cooperatives in community development, the ministry will continue supporting SACCOs and cooperative societies as engines of grassroots wealth creation and financial inclusion. - Building a Professional and Efficient Ministry
Hon. Tanna pledged to foster a responsive, transparent, and corruption-free institution capable of delivering quality services to citizens and businesses.
Commitment to Efficiency and Service Delivery
Beyond the four priorities, the minister emphasized the need to reduce bureaucracy, improve service delivery, and embrace technology to enhance efficiency across the ministry.
He called for teamwork, professionalism, integrity, and accountability among ministry staff and stakeholders, noting that collaboration will be essential in achieving Uganda’s industrialization and economic transformation goals.
Ministry Leadership Welcomes New Minister
During the ceremony, Permanent Secretary Ms. Lynette B. Bagonza commended former Minister Francis Mwebesa for his steady leadership and contribution to advancing Uganda’s economic agenda during his tenure.
She welcomed Hon. Tanna and expressed confidence in his ability to guide the ministry as it continues to pursue trade competitiveness, industrialization, export diversification, and private sector-led growth.
A New Chapter for Uganda’s Economic Transformation
Hon. Tanna’s appointment comes at a time when Uganda is intensifying efforts to grow local industries, increase exports, create jobs, and strengthen the role of cooperatives in national development.
For the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda movement, his commitment to promoting locally made products signals renewed support for Ugandan enterprises and manufacturers. As the ministry advances its agenda, stronger implementation of BUBU will remain critical in unlocking opportunities for businesses, boosting production, and building a more resilient economy.
The road ahead will require collaboration between the government, the private sector, cooperatives, and development partners. With a clear focus on industrial growth, export promotion, and local enterprise development, the ministry is positioning itself to play an even greater role in shaping Uganda’s economic future.
