Nebbi, Uganda: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nebbi District have been encouraged to improve product branding, packaging and certification to enhance value addition, increase competitiveness and expand access to local and international markets.
The call was made during a one-day training on Industrial Development and Promotion under the TILED Programme, held at the Nebbi Business Community Centre in Nebbi Municipality. The training brought together selected SME owners to strengthen their capacity in product development and market readiness.
Speaking at the training, Nebbi District Commercial Officer Jenifer Akim said branding and packaging have become critical components of business success, adding that local enterprises must invest in quality presentation if they are to compete effectively.
“Packaging and branding is not just a container for a product but an important tool that creates value and influences customers’ perception in buying our products,” Akim said.
She noted that businesses should maintain quality and consistency in the branding and packaging of their products to attract and retain customers, describing consumers as the backbone of every successful enterprise.
Akim further explained that purchasing decisions are often influenced by a product’s appearance and presentation, making packaging and branding essential investments for SMEs seeking to grow their businesses.
She also emphasized the importance of product certification, saying compliance with quality standards, alongside proper branding and packaging, is key to improving market access and increasing the competitiveness of locally produced goods.
The district commercial officer urged enterprise owners to observe high hygiene standards during production and handling of goods to ensure consumer safety and maintain product quality.
West Nile Regional Officer for the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA), Denish Okao, said many SMEs continue to lose market opportunities due to avoidable packaging mistakes and the limited availability of quality packaging materials.
He said businesses must prioritize quality and consistency in branding and packaging if they are to build customer confidence and compete favourably with imported products.
According to Okao, poor packaging remains one of the major challenges limiting the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods despite improvements in production capacity.
Meanwhile, Bithum Denis, proprietor of an arts and crafts enterprise in Nebbi Municipality, said although many SMEs appreciate the importance of branding, packaging and product certification, they lack adequate knowledge on how to begin the certification process.
He called for increased technical guidance and support from relevant government agencies to help enterprise owners comply with certification requirements and improve the quality of their products.
Bithum also highlighted the shortage of quality packaging materials within Nebbi District, saying many businesses are forced to source supplies from Kampala and neighbouring districts, increasing production costs.
He appealed to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, working through the Nebbi District Commercial Office, to support SMEs in accessing affordable packaging solutions to enable local enterprises to add value to their products, expand their businesses and compete in export markets.
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