Uganda is seeking better access to affordable financing, stronger local supplier linkages and specialised skills training to support manufacturers and expand domestic production, State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Privatization and Investment) Aminah Mukalazi has said.

Mukalazi made the remarks after visiting Staunch Machinery Uganda in Namanve, where she assessed the company's manufacturing and assembly activities and engaged with its management on challenges affecting industrial production.

The facility is involved in the local assembly and manufacturing of tractors, milk coolers, generators, maize milling and hay-making machines, as well as other equipment used for value addition. Government's State House Local Content Unit also listed air compressors, concrete mixers and chaff cutters among the machinery produced or assembled at the facility.

Mukalazi was received by investor Muhammed Khoder Hussein, the Honorary Consul of Uganda to Lebanon and Chief Executive Officer of Staunch Machinery Uganda.

According to Mukalazi, the engagement highlighted several areas that require attention if Uganda is to strengthen its manufacturing sector.

These include access to affordable financing for manufacturers, stronger linkages between local producers to encourage the use of locally manufactured inputs, and specialised training for Ugandans who operate modern industrial machinery.

The minister said improving these areas would help manufacturers expand production while creating more employment opportunities for Ugandans.

Her visit comes as Staunch Machinery continues to develop its manufacturing operations in Namanve. The Presidential CEO Forum recently highlighted the progress of the company's manufacturing plant and its contribution to Uganda's industrialisation and job creation efforts.

One of the developments that particularly impressed Mukalazi was the experience of a Ugandan worker who joined Staunch Machinery without specialised technical skills.

The worker was trained on the job and gradually advanced to operating modern machinery at the facility.

Mukalazi said the worker is now earning a net salary of Shs2 million, presenting the experience as an example of how industrial investment and workplace training can help Ugandans acquire specialised skills and improve their livelihoods.

The minister said such opportunities demonstrate the potential of manufacturing to provide both employment and practical skills development.

Staunch Machinery Uganda currently employs about 300 Ugandans, according to Mukalazi.

She committed to supporting efforts aimed at enabling the company to increase its production capacity and create additional jobs.

The government's focus on local manufacturing is also intended to strengthen domestic value chains by encouraging the use of locally produced inputs rather than relying heavily on imported products.

Mukalazi also called on Ugandans to support locally manufactured goods as part of efforts to strengthen the country's industrial base.

She argued that choosing products made in Uganda can help create markets for local manufacturers, sustain employment and retain more economic value within the country.

“Let us buy, support and promote products made in Uganda,” Mukalazi said.

The minister's message comes amid broader government efforts to promote investment, local production and private-sector-led industrialisation.

Staunch Machinery's operations in Uganda form part of the company's wider international presence. Its official website says the group has operations in Uganda and several other markets and has expanded its manufacturing activities beyond its original base in Lebanon.

For Uganda, the expansion of manufacturing capacity is expected to provide opportunities for job creation, skills development and increased availability of machinery for sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing.

Mukalazi's visit therefore placed particular emphasis on ensuring that local manufacturers have the financing, skills and domestic supply-chain connections required to grow.