The #UGEF2022 held on September 5-9th provided a unique platform for the private sector, civil society and public sector to theorize, dialogue and create practical solutions to the growing relevance of Economic Revival and how it shapes Social, Economic-Political interactions to achieve economic growth. The main objective of the Ug. Economic Forum 2022 themed “What Lies Ahead For Uganda’s Economy in 2022/2023 Financial Year” was to contribute effectively to the broader conversation around economic transformation, investment and trade growth as well as reviving Uganda’s economy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 5-day event broadcast live on NBS TV saw panellists from a wide range of specialties share ideas and debate a way forward for the different sectors. “As Nile Breweries and our parent company AB InBev, we Dream Big to create a future with more cheers. Accordingly, we continuously contribute to Uganda’s economic development in ways that bring cheers today, and even greater cheers in the future,” said Onapito Ekomoloit, Legal & Corporate Affairs Director NBL. “We do this through job creation, tax payments, and our support to farmers, distributors, stockists, retailers, suppliers and consumers through the different programs and innovations we have implemented. “We are proud to be part of a multisectoral approach to moving Uganda’s economy forward and have consistently proven that we are committed to the empowerment and prosperity of Ugandans,” he added.
In his keynote address to mark Day 3 of the Uganda Economic Forum, themed, ‘Taxation, Private & Public Investment, how can tax regime stimulate post covid19 investments’, David Valencia, NBL Managing Director asked policymakers to put in place regulations and policies that support and protect the beer industry against unfair competition and disarming tax laws.
He highlighted that unlocking the beer sector growth is fast-tracking Uganda’s economic growth ambitions. However, this will be dependent on creating a levelled playing field for the formal beer industry to thrive to support inclusive economic growth? He emphasised the relevance of the beer sector the world over sighting findings from a study by Oxford Economics Study on the economic footprint of the global beer industry, published in January 2022 with data up until 2019 due to the distortions of COVID:
The forum was graced by 2 ministers. In her address on day 2 themed; Trade and export promotion for MSME’s, Hon Harriet Ntabazi, Minister of State for Trade highlighted that the Ministry is working on creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive, however, stressed the need for quality products and consistent supply. State Minister for Tourism, Hon Martin Magara while officiating day 5, themed; Tourism Opportunities amidst Economic Recovery pointed out that although the tourism sector was highly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, it was now under recovery and expected even to do better than before. He noted that there is growth in local tourism with over 84,000 Ugandans visiting protected areas in the last 6 months and asked Ugandans to get engaged in [promoting Uganda because the country belongs to every Ugandan.
First held in 2021, as a one-day event themed on Nile Breweries’ contribution to Uganda’s Economy, this year the Uganda Economic Forum drew from a wide range of partnerships.
Special thanks to all our partners who made it possible.
- Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
- Uganda Development Corporation
- Uganda Development Bank
- Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development
- NBS Television
You can follow the conversation here:
DAY ONE: Agric and Agro Industrialization
https://lnkd.in/dTMU3MHU
DAY TWO: Trade and Export Promotion for MSME’s
https://lnkd.in/dcbnGc2z
DAY THREE: Taxation, Private & Public Investment
https://lnkd.in/dJYQha3x
DAY FOUR: Finance, Insurance, and Business Innovation
https://lnkd.in/dbvXcbSc
DAY FIVE: Tourism Opportunities amidst Economic Recovery
https://lnkd.in/duukNRMx