VP Alupo Champions Quality and Value Addition for East African Businesses

Vice President Jessica Alupo has called on enterprises across Uganda and the wider East African region to focus on enhancing product quality, fostering innovation, and increasing value addition. This strategic approach, she stated, is crucial for enabling local goods to effectively compete in the international market.

Speaking at the sixth East Africa Brand Quality Awards in Kampala, Alupo, represented by Mr. Andrew Matovu of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development, congratulated the award recipients. However, she cautioned them against resting on their laurels, emphasizing that accolades should be a springboard for maintaining excellence and encouraging emerging businesses.

“An award on the shelf matters less than an award that opens opportunities,” Alupo remarked, stressing the importance of cross-border collaboration and active private sector participation in building an integrated and competitive regional economy. She noted that the recognized brands achieved their status through consistency, integrity, and adherence to standards, and urged them to set higher benchmarks for Uganda’s, East Africa’s, and South Africa’s brand reputation on the global stage.

The awards ceremony brought together industry leaders from various sectors, including mining, manufacturing, and services, to discuss regional trade dynamics, access to finance, support for local firms, and overall product competitiveness.

Euro Gold Refinery CEO, Mr. Ben Feni, highlighted their award for value addition in refining gold and other minerals, which increases Uganda’s mineral wealth. He also pointed out ongoing challenges for local miners, such as high capital costs and bureaucratic delays, advocating for streamlined processes to boost local investment in downstream refining.

Other notable Ugandan awardees included K-Roma Limited, recognized for its Bella Wines and Juices, and Unity Skin Care Clinic, named the best in East Africa for its specialized dermatological solutions. Both companies attributed their success to sustained investment in quality assurance and client trust, respectively.

This event celebrated 250 brands out of 370 nominations across nine East African countries and over 230 categories, underscoring the region’s growing commitment to quality and excellence. Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)