A bold new chapter is unfolding for Uganda’s capital following a high-level engagement between the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA).
KCCA Executive Director Hajati Sharifah Buzeki recently paid a strategic courtesy visit to the UMA Secretariat, where she was received by Director Stephen Mpagi Kalibbala, Chairman of Estates, UMA Executive Director Dr. Ezra Rubanda, and UMA Director of Membership Haji Mubaraka Nkuutu.
The meeting, described by both parties as a turning point, signaled the beginning of a transformative partnership poised to reshape Kampala’s economic landscape, urban development, and social well-being.
Discussions centered on sustainable growth, economic empowerment, cultural celebration, and public health, underscoring a shared commitment to inclusive and forward-looking urban progress.
In her remarks during the meeting, Hajati Buzeki commended UMA for its central role in driving Uganda’s industrial growth and creating employment opportunities. “The Uganda Manufacturers Association has been instrumental in building the foundation of our economy,” she said.
“KCCA recognizes the power of this partnership and is committed to working closely with UMA to unlock Kampala’s full potential as a modern, vibrant, and investor-friendly city, Hajati Buzeki added.
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the announcement of a groundbreaking collaboration to merge the Kampala City Carnival with the 31st Uganda International Trade Fair in 2025.
The combined event is expected to transform Kampala into a cultural and commercial powerhouse, offering an extraordinary platform for business networking, innovation showcases, and investment opportunities while simultaneously celebrating the city’s diversity and heritage.
According to KCCA, the fusion of festivity and opportunity will not only boost the city’s cultural identity but also strengthen its reputation as a vibrant and investment-ready metropolis. The two institutions believe the initiative will attract regional and international players, creating a ripple effect on job creation, revenue generation, and business expansion.
Economic empowerment featured prominently in the discussions, with both KCCA and UMA emphasizing the need to support local production and reduce dependency on imports.
The partnership seeks to connect Kampala’s retail networks with Ugandan manufacturers, driving demand for locally produced goods and enhancing the visibility of homegrown brands within the city’s bustling marketplaces.
In line with this vision, the two entities also agreed to prioritize environmental sustainability as part of Kampala’s long-term transformation agenda. Through a joint commitment to make Kampala a true “City in a Garden,” KCCA and UMA plan to introduce eco-friendly urban policies, expand urban forestry, and establish tree-lined boulevards across the city.
Buzeki described the green initiative as central to improving the city’s livability and resilience. “A modern city must harmonize development with environmental stewardship,” she noted.
“By embedding sustainability into our planning, we will create a cooler, cleaner, and healthier Kampala a city that not only attracts investors but also enhances the quality of life for its residents,” she added.
The partnership also extends to improving public health, a critical pillar in Kampala’s development. KCCA expressed strong support for UMA’s health camp initiative, a program designed to provide essential medical services directly to communities and workplaces across the capital.
The outreach will offer preventive screenings, health education, and wellness campaigns, targeting underserved populations while promoting workforce productivity.
“Urban transformation must be human-centered, by making health services more accessible, we are prioritizing the well-being of our people while building a stronger, healthier workforce to drive economic growth,” Hajati Buzeki remarked.
With greener neighborhoods, thriving local enterprises, landmark cultural events, and improved access to public health services, both institutions envision Kampala as a smarter, healthier, and more prosperous capital.
The integration of business-to-business (B2B) interactions during the upcoming trade fair and carnival is expected to accelerate these goals, creating a dynamic platform where innovation, commerce, and culture converge.
As the meeting concluded, the message was clear: Kampala’s transformation is not a distant dream but an achievable reality. “The brightest days for our capital are within reach,” Hajati Buzeki affirmed.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and commitment, we are laying the foundation for a city that is not only economically competitive but also inclusive and sustainable,” she concluded.
The partnership between KCCA and UMA marks the beginning of what business leaders are already calling a defining moment for Kampala. With bold ideas, actionable strategies, and a shared vision, the city is setting its sights on becoming a leading hub for trade, culture, and investment in the region.
