Amidst the vibrant landscape of Uganda’s agricultural sector, a momentous event took place as the esteemed Geraldine Ssali, Permanent Secretary in the Uganda Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, graced the occasion at DFCU Bank and Agribusiness Development Centre (ADC). The spotlight shone on three exceptional enterprises that participated in cohort 2 & 3 of their Business Accelerator program, as they were awarded a total sum of 10 million Uganda shillings.
The recipients of this prestigious recognition were none other than Grace Akatuha of Kikazi Agri Products, David Okalebo of Africa Haven Ltd, and Stephen Wakhweya of Fresh Horizon Limited. Each of them received cheques of Ugx 5,000,000, Ugx 3,000,000, and Ugx 2,000,000, respectively, in celebration of their unwavering commitment and remarkable achievements throughout the program’s cohort, which commenced earlier this year on 15th February 2023.
Josephine Mukumbya, the visionary executive director of ADC, shared her heartfelt sentiments as she expressed pride in witnessing the growth of the graduates from cohorts 2 & 3. “We not only witness the enthusiastic adoption of agribusiness enterprise knowledge but also glean valuable insights from the experiences of cohort 1. These insights guide us in refining our approach and shaping the future for upcoming cohorts,” she revealed.
Since its inception, the accelerator program has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s agricultural development, bringing together over 95 enterprising enterprises dedicated to strengthening value chains across the nation. Collaboratively, ADC, DFCU, and The ECOS project by GIZ, through their Employment and Skills for Development in Africa program (E4D), forge ahead with a relentless determination to empower more than 200 agribusinesses this year. Their shared vision revolves around ensuring that these ventures attain competitive prowess on the global stage.
Jimmy Byaruhanga, a distinguished figure from GOPA Worldwide Consultants, actively involved in implementing the ECOS project, highlighted their aspiration for international recognition. “When an enterprise boasts ISO certification or a Q-mark, it signifies their potential to supply the international market, and that’s precisely our target. We strive to reach all types of producing businesses, and ADC serves as a gateway to the world of agriculture, safeguarding us from duplicating efforts,” he emphasized.
Turning attention to the cooperative bank, Geraldine Ssali revealed an exciting development on the horizon. The government secured cabinet approval in July 2023 to formulate a work-paper, paving the way for a new national cooperative bank. This financial institution holds the promise of granting access to affordable and patient capital for various SACCOs within the sector.
“The trade ministry has meticulously formed a committee tasked with delivering this transformative bank. Positivity resonates throughout the value chain in its revival. We’ve engaged in extensive consultations, ensuring the bank’s resilience to empower agribusinesses, so they stand strong and secure,” Geraldine asserted with a sense of pride.
The narrative of Uganda’s agricultural value chains has been rewritten with an optimism that surges through the industry. With relentless dedication and collaboration, the nation’s farmers and enterprises are well on their way to a prosperous future, leaving an indelible mark on the global market.
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