President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has named Mr. Richard Byarugaba, the former Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and Mr. Moses Sabiti, the former Country Director for Trademark Africa covering Uganda and South Sudan, as Senior Presidential Advisors under the exports and industry advisory secretariat.

According to the official appointment guidance, the two will play a central advisory role in areas such as export financing, infrastructure development, export data systems, and product aggregation initiatives aimed at strengthening Uganda’s export performance.

The appointments come as part of continued efforts to support the work of PACEID, the President’s Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development. The team was launched in March 2022 to address key challenges affecting Uganda’s export sector, including limited market access, standards and compliance gaps, high logistics costs, and limited financing options for exporters.

PACEID has reportedly exceeded its earlier export target of USD6 billion, which had been set four years ago. The committee is now seeking to broaden its national impact by supporting the creation of 1,000 new export-oriented entities across the agricultural and industrial sectors, while pursuing a long-term export goal of USD100 billion by 2045.

“I thank the President for responding to our call to get professional and experienced people to support our new approach to growing exports for Uganda” said Odrek Rwabwogo, chairperson of PACEID.

Rwabwogo noted that the work done over the past four years represented the initial phase of the strategy.

“What we have done in the last four years is PACEID1.0; focusing on opening new markets, removing trade barriers, supporting export firms in key sectors and driving better compliance standards along with cultivating a good image of our country as a sourcing centre for products.”

He further explained that the committee is now transitioning into a second phase, described as PACEID2.0. This next phase is expected to place greater emphasis on improved data-driven planning, establishing product aggregation centers to respond to growing demand and supply constraints, and mobilizing funding to expand investment in value addition through these centers.

Mr. Richard Byarugaba previously served as head of Nile Bank before it was acquired by Barclays Bank. He later joined NSSF, where he is credited with improving the institution’s performance and strengthening its financial position. During his tenure, NSSF’s assets reportedly grew to over UGX17 trillion.

Mr. Moses Sabiti brings extensive public and private sector experience. He worked with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for 17 years as a senior manager before joining Trademark Africa, where he played a key role in mobilizing funding for the development of border trade and immigration infrastructure in Kasese, Elegu, and Malaba.

With their combined expertise in finance, trade development, and export infrastructure, the two appointees are expected to add strategic value to Uganda’s export and industrialization agenda.