PCF Agrees to Unlock the Economic Potential of Northern Uganda

PCF Agrees to Unlock the Economic Potential of Northern Uganda

The 5th Annual Presidential CEO Forum Retreat, held at Serena Hotel in Kampala from September 13-14, 2024, under the theme Battle to Green Field, Transforming Northern Uganda into a Commercialized Production and Logistical Hub for Export, marked a significant milestone in the journey to unlock the economic potential of Northern Uganda.

The retreat brought together over 1000 stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private sector, and civil society, to discuss and resolve key areas that will drive economic growth and development in the region.

Northern Uganda boasts fertile soil ideal for agriculture, arid areas suited for livestock rearing, and diverse landscapes. To unlock its economic potential, experts suggest that we must identify and exploit these unique opportunities. The focus should be on meeting demand and ensuring that our products meet market needs. Beyond production, we must engage in value addition, processing goods to increase earnings and create job opportunities.

In his remarks, Mr. Charles Abola, an agriculturist in the Northern region and the key note speaker, emphasized the development of a sub-regional-specific plan for Karamoja and other sub-regions. This plan will take into account the unique needs and opportunities of each sub-region and provide a roadmap for economic growth and development.

According to Emmanuel Katongole, the Presidential CEO Forum Chairman, “To overcome the challenges facing the northern region, it is crucial that we adopt a comprehensive approach. We must prioritize adopting a value chain approach, integrating and connecting various components to ensure that farmers have access to information on market prices, good agronomic practices, and quality inputs.”

According to Irene Birungi Mugisha, the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) Coordinator, “despite the region’s potential, some challenges, including but not limited to the failure to embrace the whole value chain approach, persist, which has limited progress.” Furthermore, research efforts are not effectively disseminated to farmers, and post-COVID initiatives have been hindered by inadequate storage facilities and lack of access to power.

It should be noted that over time, the NRM government has heavily invested in roads, transport systems, and other efficient logistical networks essential for moving products to local and international markets. The collaboration between the private sector and government through the Presidential CEO Forum is key to creating sustainable value chains, meeting global demand, and driving economic growth in Uganda.

The 5th Annual Presidential CEO Forum Retreat resolved to focus on key areas that will drive economic growth and development in Northern Uganda. These include agro-industrialization, tourism development, mineral-based development, and science, technology, and innovation. The region’s vast natural resources provide a solid foundation for economic growth.

In his remarks, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, revealed that members resolved to fast-track the operationalization of the Gulu Logistical Hub. “This hub will provide a facility for the transportation, collection, separation, consolidation, and distribution of goods and will play a critical role in driving economic growth in the region.”

They also resolved to designate special economic zones and promote industrial parks and free zones. This will provide a conducive environment for businesses to operate and drive economic growth. The retreat also resolved to develop a value-chain approach for the coffee sector and undertake strategic investments in value addition along prioritized value chains.

Dr. Kenneth Omona, Minister of State for Northern Uganda, believes addressing infrastructure-related gaps is critical. “Providing functional storage facilities and ensuring access to power, particularly for mechanization services, is essential. Encouraging private sector participation in mechanization services will also help bridge the gap in agricultural productivity.”

While delivering his address to the CEOs during the retreat, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, revealed that he had identified the livestock economy as another profitable venture that the private sector should be encouraged to develop due to the region’s vast livestock resources providing a significant opportunity for economic growth.

In conclusion, transforming Northern Uganda into a commercialized production and logistics hub for exports requires collaborative efforts. By working together and addressing the challenges and constraints facing the region, we can unlock its vast potential and drive economic growth. With the right approach, Northern Uganda can emerge as a vibrant commercial and logistical hub, shaping the future of Uganda’s economy.