Introduction
Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) is a unique initiative introduced by the Government of the Republic of Uganda through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC). The idea behind BUBU is to promote the consumption usage and appreciation of locally produced goods and services.
Explore the benefits of embracing the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative. Learn how purchasing decisions can contribute to local economic growth, foster job creation, and build a stronger, self-reliant Uganda.
In 2014, the Cabinet took a step. It approved the BUBU Policy, which envisioned developing a vibrant, dynamic, and competitive private sector that transforms local products through the value chain to meet the required standards. The BUBU Policy stands on three (3) Key Objectives, which include the following:
- To promote consumption of local goods and services.
By choosing to Buy Uganda, you actively participate in the economic empowerment of local businesses and entrepreneurs. Supporting homegrown enterprises stimulates economic activity, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and individuals nationwide.
- To promote the use and conformity to standards to guarantee quality goods and services.
Purchasing locally ensures that you are investing in high-quality products and services. Local businesses often take pride in their work, as their success relates to customer satisfaction. Choose BUBU for goods and services that meet international standards.
- To provide capacity-building programs to local suppliers of goods and services.
In an era where global connectivity is on the rise, supporting local economies has become more critical than ever. The Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative is a powerful movement encouraging consumers and businesses to prioritize locally produced goods and services, fostering economic growth and self-sustainability.
Why BUBU?
A persistent trade deficit has consistently hit Uganda hard, resulting in a huge import bill. The local content and products like plastics, uniforms, textiles, shoes, cement, eggs, and beverages have long repelled the domestic market.
The local products have not conformed to standards, are not well labeled and packaged, and therefore, are not attractive to the consumers to guarantee quality goods and services in Uganda.
Commitment to BUBU helps generate employment opportunities within Uganda. Local businesses, when thriving, are better positioned to hire more workers, reducing unemployment rates and enhancing the overall well-being of the workforce.
The BUBU Opportunities
One very profound opportunity for BUBU is the discovery of Oil in Uganda, with 18 fields with approximately 2.5 billion barrels of oil. BUBU is an excellent opportunity for local manufacturers, producers, and service providers to supply Uganda’s Oil and Gas Sector.
The National Planning Authority (NPA) already created the National Supplier Database (NSD). The policy also complies with the Uganda Oil and Petroleum Act, which requires contractors or sub-contractors to prefer goods and services produced or available in Uganda and services rendered by Ugandan citizens or companies.
In the absence of such goods or services, a joint venture company in the oil and gas sector with a minimum of 48% shares for local entrepreneurs is an excellent option to provide the goods or services.
Key Stakeholders and Implementing Partners
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (MTIC) leads the policy implementation by working with other Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These work closely with Private Sector institutions like local manufacturers, banks, individual consumers, schools, hospitals, and universities.
The key stakeholders are brought together by a joint concern, primarily to provide capacity-building programs to local suppliers of goods and services. 90% of Uganda’s private sector is Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Most of these operate informally with low technology, low production, low skill level, poor packaging, inability to access finance, non-registration, and lack of access to Government procurement information, among others.
The BUBU Expo
An annual event called BUBU Expo has been established under a Public-Private Partnership between MTIC and Investment Review Publications to promote the BUBU initiative.
The BUBU Expo is an annual event under a Private Public Partnership between the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives (MTIC) and Investment Review Publications. This powerful yearly event aims to promote Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) by Promoting local content, encouraging, and building patriotism in the public, and enhancing networking and coordination around BUBU policy.
The organizing committee members include the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives (MTIC), Investment Review Publications, Private Sector Foundation of Uganda (PSFU), Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA, Soko Uganda, Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Public Procurement And Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) and Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA).
Attend and support events organized to promote BUBU. These events provide a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services, fostering collaboration and community engagement.
Sponsorship for this annual event is open to private organizations and brands who would like to showcase their products or services and appear on the BUBU Expo’s official website.
Conclusion
Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) is an initiative introduced by the Ugandan government to encourage citizens to buy locally made products and services, thereby promoting the growth of local industries. This program aims to reduce the need for imports and boost economic development by creating more employment opportunities and generating revenue within the country. The main objective of BUBU is to promote the production and consumption of local goods and services, thereby contributing to the growth of the country’s economy.
You can Make a difference with your purchasing power – choose to Buy Uganda Build Uganda. By embracing this initiative, you play an integral role in shaping a thriving and self-reliant Uganda. Your choices today pave the way for a sustainable future where local businesses flourish, communities prosper, and the nation stands strong. Join the movement, and together, let’s build a better Uganda through conscious and informed decisions.
