Rugunda: "Gov't will draft laws to support SMEs"

SHARON HOPE NAIGAGA 

The Prime Minister, Dr.Ruhakana Rugunda has said government is in the final stages of coming up with legislations that will support the growth of small and medium enterprises.

The current business environment seems not to be favouring the small and medium enterprises that are struggling to cope with the high cost of doing business.

This coupled with the high bank interest rates, makes it difficult for SMEs to access cheap credit and poor business management skills have seen most business close even before their first birthday.

But speaking during the launch of the Business Incubator in Kololo and graduation of 34 small and medium sized entrepreneurs as the first cohort of the Incubator, Rugunda revealed that government is as well concerned about their pleas.

"We hear the concerns of the SMEs that is why we are going to make laws to support them," Rugunda said.

Rugunda said this will help in boosting the oil and gas sector by addressing the challenges faced by SMEs that employ 2.5 million people and produce 80%of Uganda’s manufactured output.

Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Patrick Mweheire said that the programme started with training companies in the fabrication and construction.

Reader's Comments

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST STORIES

All set as Vumbula Uganda Festival returns to Jinja
lifestyle By Samuel Muhimba
11 hours ago
All set as Vumbula Uganda Festival returns to Jinja
Burkina Faso junta expels French diplomats
africa By Nile Post Editor
11 hours ago
Burkina Faso junta expels French diplomats
Beyond the headlines: The reality of Zimbabwe
africa By Gore Ruvimbo
11 hours ago
Beyond the headlines: The reality of Zimbabwe
Inside Uganda's evolving music industry
entertainment By Salmah Namwanje
11 hours ago
Inside Uganda's evolving music industry