More than 500 companies and enterprises are set to showcase when the 14th edition of the Eastern Region Trade Fair scheduled to run June 5-14 in Mbale. Over the weekend, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) officially launched the event at Mbale Resort Hotel. Various speakers called on businesses and the public to participate in what is expected to be a major platform for trade, innovation and investment. The annual event aims at promoting industrialisation, value addition and regional trade as part of efforts to drive Uganda’s economic transformation. Present at the launch was the Umukuuka, the cultural leader of the Bagisu. He praised UMA for putting in great effort to ensure that the event takes place in Mbale. “I am pleased that in spite of some small disruptions, UMA has decided to return the trade fair to Mbale. I have been assured it is even going to be bigger. My role is to mobilise my people to turn out in big numbers because the trade fair will not be about buying and selling items. There is the element of learning new skills that I love a lot. There is wealth in learning from people who manufacture things. I commit to be a part of this journey. We will mobilize our communities to support local industries, to protect investment and to ensure that the wealth from our soil returns to develop our people,” he said. “To UMA, thank you for creating a pivotal platform that advances sustainable economic growth and a deeper East African regional trade integration. You are our full support. The 14th Eastern Regional Trade Fair will be remembered for transforming and empowering people.” Speaking at the launch, Regina Namuwonge, organising committee chairperson, said this year’s trade fair will bring together key players from across sectors to unlock opportunities in Eastern Uganda. “We are building Uganda’s economic future, one innovation at a time, and this year’s trade fair will bring together business, innovation, and opportunity to drive growth in Eastern Uganda,” she said. She invited the public, entrepreneurs, and investors to actively participate in the exhibition, noting that the fair would showcase a wide range of products, services, and innovations. On his part, Aga Sekalala Jnr, UMA chairman, said the trade fair highlights the importance of industrialisation and formal trade in achieving Uganda’s long-term development goals. He noted that manufacturing, investment and partnerships remain central to advancing regional integration and the government’s Ten-Fold Growth Agenda. “This platform continues to advance industrial growth, promote value addition, and connect our businesses to wider markets,” Sekalala said. Meanwhile, Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, UMA executive director, emphasised the role of the trade fair in linking local enterprises to regional and international markets. “Together, we drive Uganda’s industrial transformation forward,” he said, adding that such platforms are critical in strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness and expanding market access for local products,” he said. He added that UMA expects to have at least 500 companies exhibiting their products. Over the years, the Eastern Region Trade Fair has grown into a key business event, attracting exhibitors from the manufacturing, agriculture, services, and technology sectors. Organisers say this year’s edition will focus on innovation, enterprise development and partnerships, positioning Mbale as a strategic hub for trade and investment in eastern Uganda.The post Over 500 to showcase at UMA Trade Fair in Mbale appeared first on The Observer.