Uganda joins a select group of seven countries globally—and only three in Africa—to host the prestigious World Packaging Organization (WPO) Masterclass in Packaging Technology. The three-day training runs from August 5th to 7th, 2025, at Protea Hotel Kampala. The training is organized by the Institute for Packaging Partners of Uganda (IPPU) in partnership with and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, and funded by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO)

Officiating the opening ceremony, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, underscored the strategic importance of quality packaging in enabling product protection, market access, shelf-life extension, and export competitiveness. He emphasized that poor packaging remains a barrier for Uganda’s agro-processed and artisanal products and called for investment in packaging innovation aligned with the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Otto Tokwiny Bruno, Country Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), highlighted that improving packaging is not just about aesthetics, but a critical pathway to reduce food loss, increase farmer incomes, and strengthen local economies. He reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly by promoting sustainable industrial practices and market access through improved packaging technologies.

Adding to the discourse, Ms. Juliet Musoke, the national coordinator – Mark Up II under the International Trade Centre (ITC) noted that Uganda’s packaging sector is currently valued at over USD 300 million. She emphasized ITC’s vision to empower SMEs with knowledge and access to appropriate packaging solutions. Through initiatives like the Mark Up program, ITC has been instrumental in supporting agro-based enterprises to improve product presentation, meet export standards, and unlock regional market opportunities.

The training, themed “Enhancing Value Addition, Market Access, and Sustainable Industrialization,” attracted participants from across the packaging value chain. Facilitators include WPO President Prof. Pierre Pienaar and Professor Charles Muyanja, Chairman IPPU

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to developing a packaging industry that is innovative, standards-compliant, and globally competitive.

Uganda spends more than 400 million US dollars annually on importation of packaging materials