The 5th Bi-Annual Presidential CEO Forum Retreat, which took place on September 13-14, 2024, at the Serena Hotel in Kampala, was a crucial event for Uganda’s economic development agenda. With the theme “Battle to Green Field: Transforming Northern Uganda into a Commercialised Production and Logistical Hub for Exports,” the retreat brought together over 1,000 stakeholders from various sectors.
Established in 2015, the Presidential CEO Forum provides a platform for CEOs to converge, fostering a collaborative environment and driving sustainable economic transformation. The forum’s objective is to promote public-private sector partnerships, stimulate economic growth, and solidify Uganda’s position as a key player in the East African region.
Northern Uganda possesses fertile soil ideal for agriculture, arid areas suited for livestock rearing, and diverse landscapes. To unlock its economic potential, experts suggest identifying and exploiting these unique opportunities. The focus should be on meeting demand and ensuring products meet market needs. Additionally, engaging in value addition by processing goods to increase earnings and create job opportunities is crucial.
Agriculture contributes a quarter of Uganda’s national GDP and employs 70% of the population. The retreat aims to address the sector’s slow growth pace by fostering partnerships between government and the private sector.
Keynote speaker Mr. Charles Abola, a commercial agriculturist from Northern Uganda, emphasised the development of a sub-regional-specific plan for Karamoja and other sub-regions, taking into account the unique needs and opportunities of each sub-region and providing a roadmap for economic growth and development.
Despite the region’s potential, some challenges persist. These include the failure to embrace the whole value chain approach, limited research efforts effectively disseminated to farmers, and post-COVID initiatives hindered by inadequate storage facilities and lack of access to power. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach.
The 5th Annual Presidential CEO Forum Retreat resolved to focus on key areas driving economic growth and development in Northern Uganda. These areas include agro-industrialisation, tourism development, mineral-based development, and science, technology, and innovation. Members resolved to fast-track the operationalisation of the Gulu Logistics Hub, which will play a critical role in driving economic growth by providing a facility for the transportation, collection, separation, consolidation, and distribution of goods.
Additionally, designating special economic zones and promoting industrial parks will provide a conducive environment for businesses to operate in. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni identified the livestock economy as a profitable venture for the private sector and encouraged private sector participation in mechanisation services to help bridge the gap in agricultural productivity.
The meeting resolved to develop sub-regional plans, fast-track the Gulu Logistics Hub, designate special economic zones, develop a value-chain approach for coffee, and undertake strategic investments in value addition. These resolutions aim to unlock Northern Uganda’s economic potential.
Transforming Northern Uganda into a commercialised production and logistics hub for exports requires collaborative efforts. By working together and addressing challenges, we can unlock its vast potential and drive economic growth.
To achieve sustainable economic growth in Northern Uganda, fostering partnerships between the government and the private sector is essential. Developing subregional-specific plans, investing in logistical infrastructure, promoting value addition and processing, and encouraging private sector participation in mechanisation services are critical steps.
Technology plays a vital role in transforming Northern Uganda’s economy. Leveraging digital solutions can enhance agricultural productivity, improve market access, and facilitate financial inclusion.
Several successful projects are already underway in Northern Uganda. For instance, the Northern Uganda Agricultural Centre (NUAC) has improved agricultural productivity and livelihoods for local farmers.
However, potential challenges or obstacles to implementing the retreat’s resolutions include inadequate funding, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory hurdles.
The success of the Presidential CEO Forum Retreat marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s economic development agenda.
