MBARARA — Local leaders in Ankole have asked the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development – PACEID to decentralize its export agenda to district level.
The request was made on Monday 3rd August 2026 during a one-day workshop at Kamu Farm Resort Gardens, Nyakisharara in Mbarara.
Speaking on behalf of their colleagues, LC5 Chairpersons Mr. Alex Karitundu of Mitooma, Mr. Deo Atuhaire of Buhweju and Ms. Jemima Buhanda of Sheema said their districts are rich in coffee, dairy, bananas and other resources but communities lack knowledge on value addition and market access.
_”We welcome PACEID. We are ready to host it in our districts because it is the only clear path to increase household incomes. Our people have the materials, what they need now is education and market linkages,”_ the Chairpersons said.
In response, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties and PACEID Chairman, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, pledged to extend the “gospel of exports” to the districts. He said PACEID will work with district leaders to build capacity in production, standards and compliance so that local products can compete globally.
Mr. Rwabwogo told leaders and journalists that PACEID was created to shift Uganda from import dependence to an export-led economy.
_”Strong exports bring dollars into Uganda. They support factories, create jobs for our young people, and make sure what we produce locally is also consumed here,”_ he said.
He revealed that government, through PACEID, is already engaging markets in UAE, UK, Serbia, Nigeria, DRC and Russia to secure space for Ugandan products and attract investment.
PACEID is currently pushing priority value chains including coffee, dairy, beef, poultry, fruits, grains, fish, tea, bananas, flowers, tourism and manufactured goods. The focus is on “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” and agro-industrialization.
*About PACEID*
The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development was established by H.E President Museveni on 16th March 2022. It operates under the Office of the President.
Its job is to identify markets for Ugandan products and remove bottlenecks to trade. It brings government and the private sector together to grow export earnings and jobs.
PACEID works on 4 pillars:
1. *Markets* – Opening local, regional and international markets
2. *Standards and Compliance* – Helping products meet export requirements
3. *Export Infrastructure* – Improving storage, transport and trade systems
4. *Export Financing* – Helping businesses access money to export
The workshop was attended by LC5 Chairpersons from Buhweju, Mitooma, Rubirizi, Mbarara, Sheema and Kitagwenda, plus Ibanda District Speaker Mr. Muhumuza Godwins Oulanya (PACEID Head of Media) and other dignitaries.
End.
