Uganda has taken a big step to improve its packaging industry by launching the first professional training program for local manufacturers, traders, and policymakers. The goal is to raise the quality of product packaging, making Ugandan goods more competitive in both local and international markets.
For years, Uganda’s packaging sector has lagged behind, with many products sold in poorly packaged or even unlabeled containers, limiting their market appeal. Good packaging is not just about appearance – it protects products, improves safety, preserves freshness, and attracts buyers. It also provides legal information such as nutritional labels for food products.
Poor packaging has been a major barrier for Uganda’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially in the agro-processing sector, where exports often fail to meet international standards.
The training was organized by the Institute for Packaging Partners of Uganda (IPPU) in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). It took place from August 5 to 7 in Kampala under the theme:
“Enhancing Value Addition, Market Access, and Sustainable Industrialization.”
The lead trainer was Professor Pierre Pienaar, the President of the World Packaging Organisation and a global expert in packaging engineering. He was supported by Kofi Essuman, Vice President of WPO and founder of the African Packaging Organization, and Professor Charles Muyanja from Makerere University, who chairs IPPU.
Participants learned about, Modern packaging technologies
Global packaging trends, including smart and sustainable packaging
How packaging influences consumer choices and brand image
Best practices for export-quality packaging
The training also emphasized sustainability and the use of environmentally friendly materials, as well as linking Ugandan SMEs to global packaging suppliers.
The session brought together manufacturers, packaging designers, printers, suppliers, retailers, and regulators like the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Members of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) also participated.
Experts believe this training will help reduce losses caused by poor packaging, increase Uganda’s export earnings, and create new opportunities for local businesses in international markets.
