The 7th UG Economic Forum opened today at the Next Media Park in Naguru, focusing on how Uganda can turn agricultural production into higher-value products, stronger businesses and better household incomes.
Organised by Next Media under the theme “Putting Money in People’s Pockets: Translating Economic Growth into Household Prosperity,” the four-day forum brings together government, business leaders, economic experts and other stakeholders to discuss practical ways of translating economic growth into improved livelihoods.
Opening the forum on behalf of Group CEO Kin Kariisa, Next Media Deputy Group CEO and Chief of Radio Peter Jackson Mungoma said, “Economic growth matters most when people can feel it in their daily lives.”
He said the forum would examine how national development plans and investment can translate into jobs, improved incomes, access to markets and opportunities for businesses. He also highlighted the role of the media in helping people understand economic decisions, bringing stakeholders together and following up on commitments made during discussions.
The Guest of Honour, Amos Lugoloobi, Minister of of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, welcomed the initiative and highlighted how international credit ratings affect Africa’s access to capital and borrowing costs, which influence the resources available for national development.
Kayongo Allan, Senior Development Planner at the National Planning Authority, said household prosperity requires joint effort from government, businesses, communities and individuals.
“Government alone cannot put money in people’s pockets. Achieving household prosperity requires collaboration among government, the private sector, communities and individuals,” he said.
Agriculture takes centre stage
The first day featured two panel discussions examining how Uganda can increase the value of its agricultural produce and improve opportunities for farmers and businesses.
The first panel, “Turning Uganda’s Harvest into Product,” examined agro-processing, product development and ways to increase the value of agricultural produce. Panellists included Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association; Hillary Muhwezi, Country Logistics Lead at Nile Breweries Limited; Corti Eliab Paul Lakuma from the Ministry of Finance; and Michael Masembe, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Tax Education at the Uganda Revenue Authority.
The second panel, “The Farm End of the Chain,” explored farmers’ access to markets, financing, tax support and logistics. Contributors included Tonny Miiro Kibuuka, CEO of Nonda Coffee; Dr Israel Mugezi, Senior Planner for Agriculture at the National Planning Authority; Jane Nalunga, Executive Director of SEATINI; and Tadeo Atuhura, Head of Communications at the Microfinance Support Centre.
Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries Uganda Limited, said the company had contributed more than UGX 5 trillion to the national treasury between 2010 and 2025.
“For us, more money in a Ugandan’s pocket means helping our farmers, our partners and our communities build businesses and livelihoods they can depend on,” Njuki said.
Three days of discussions ahead
The forum continues until Friday, October 16, with each day focusing on a priority sector under the ATMS framework: Agriculture, Tourism, Mineral Development and Services.
Wednesday’s discussions will focus on tourism, including opportunities linked to Uganda’s preparations to co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania. Thursday will examine mineral development, value addition and local participation in the sector. Friday will focus on services, including financial inclusion, technology, creative industries and skills development, before the adoption of the forum communiqué and an awards ceremony.
The forum is organised by Next Media, with Nile Breweries Uganda Limited among its partners. Discussions are broadcast live on NBS TV and MTN TV by AfroMobile, with coverage amplified across the Next Media ecosystem, including TV, radio and digital platforms.
Through the UG Economic Forum, Next Media brings stakeholders together to discuss Uganda’s economic priorities and keep the focus on how growth can translate into better incomes and improved livelihoods.