Musenero Urges Innovation to Boost Uganda’s Leather, Textile Industries

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, has urged Ugandans to embrace innovation and value addition in the leather and textile sectors to unlock economic potential and reduce dependence on raw material exports.

Speaking during a value chain development workshop held in Kampala, Dr. Musenero warned that Uganda’s continued export of unprocessed leather and cotton limits the country’s ability to compete in global markets.

“We must stop being mere producers of raw materials and low-quality products,” Musenero said. “We must become a nation that adds value and innovates to compete globally. That is how we will build prosperity for our people.”

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to explore strategies for transforming Uganda’s under-utilised leather and textile industries.

Dr. Catherine Wandera, head of import substitution at the ministry, highlighted government efforts to identify key components within the value chains that can be locally sourced and manufactured.

“For instance, to produce a woman’s shoe, we need several components leather, soles, fabrics, inner materials. We analyze these and determine which inputs can be locally sourced and manufactured,” Wandera said.

She noted that the approach aims to stimulate industrial growth, reduce import dependence, and generate employment through domestic manufacturing.

The Ministry believes that with improved quality and product modification, Uganda’s leather and textile goods can secure a presence in international markets.

The renewed focus on innovation and value addition supports President Museveni’s broader vision of transitioning Uganda from a raw material-based economy to a knowledge-based industrial hub.