The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has officially launched the 31st Uganda International Trade Fair (UGITF), which will take place from October 2 to 12, 2025, at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala.
This year’s edition, held under the theme “Sustainable Industrialization for Inclusive Growth, Employment & Wealth Creation,” is positioned as a springboard for trade, investment, and industrial transformation, bringing together over 600 local exhibitors, 150 international participants from more than 30 countries, and an expected 90,000 visitors.
Since its inception in 1992, the UGITF has grown from fewer than 50 exhibitors into one of East and Central Africa’s most prominent trade showcases, now spanning more than 40 acres of exhibition space. The fair has become a powerful platform for promoting innovation, fostering cross-border partnerships, and unlocking new markets for Ugandan manufacturers and regional businesses.
Speaking at the launch, Aga Sekalala, Chairman of UMA’s Board, described UGITF as a “jewel of regional commerce” and a living testament to Uganda’s industrial resilience and ambition. “This year’s edition is a profound declaration of our collective potential. It is a stage for Made-in-Uganda excellence and a meeting point for the world,” he said.
Sekalala highlighted that the fair not only showcases Uganda’s innovation but also positions the country as a strategic gateway to East and Central Africa, attracting global investors and industry leaders.
The 31st UGITF will feature specialized pavilions designed to maximize engagement and knowledge exchange. These include an Industrial Education Pavilion showcasing cutting-edge STEM innovations, an Agricultural Pavilion providing live training in modern farming practices, a B2B Pavilion facilitating linkages for over 200 industrialists, Industrial Masterclasses and Knowledge Forums enabling skills development, and a Health Camp demonstrating advancements in Uganda’s healthcare sector.
Eddie Senkumba, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 31st UGITF, expressed pride in the level of preparation and innovation driving this year’s event. “We’ve poured our hearts and minds into crafting a truly exceptional trade fair experience,” he said.
“From optimized logistics and enhanced security to business matchmaking and knowledge exchange forums, every detail has been designed to create lasting value for exhibitors, investors, and showgoers,” he added.
Senkumba urged both businesses and visitors to secure their participation early, emphasizing that the trade fair offers unmatched opportunities for brand visibility, direct engagement with policymakers, and strategic market expansion.
A strong focus on quality assurance also defines this year’s trade fair. Eng. James Kalibbala, Chairman of the National Standards Council at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), reassured participants of the rigorous checks in place to ensure product and service quality.
“Every product, every service, every innovation displayed within these grounds has undergone meticulous scrutiny. The UNBS certification mark is a symbol of compliance, a testament to quality, and a guarantee of safety. Consumers, investors, and business partners can engage with confidence knowing that standards are being upheld,” he said.
The fair enjoys the backing of major sponsors and partners, including the Science, Technology & Innovation Secretariat, UNISTEEL, TotalEnergies, Bank of Uganda, MTN, and Good Briquette, among others.
Their support is helping to attract new exhibitors and elevate the event’s global profile, ensuring it remains one of the most influential platforms for trade and investment in the region.
UMA’s leadership sees the 31st UGITF as more than a marketplace it is a catalyst for industrial transformation and a hub for policy engagement, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
With the participation of international exhibitors, regional stakeholders, and government institutions, the fair is expected to unlock new trade opportunities and drive Uganda’s economic growth agenda forward.
Calling on businesses, investors, and the public to take part, Sekalala emphasized the fair’s role in shaping Uganda’s industrial future. “This is not just a trade fair; it is the trade fair, it represents decades of resilience, creativity, and excellence.”
“We invite Ugandans, our regional neighbours, and global partners to join us in celebrating innovation, forging partnerships, and propelling Uganda to new heights,” he said.
With its expanded scale, stronger international participation, and renewed focus on Made-in-Uganda excellence, the 31st Uganda International Trade Fair promises to deliver an immersive and transformative experience, reinforcing Uganda’s position as a regional hub for innovation, manufacturing, and investment.