Hon. Sanjay Tanna has officially assumed office as Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, setting out a bold vision focused on export promotion, industrial growth, cooperative development, and institutional efficiency to accelerate Uganda’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Tanna expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the confidence placed in him and pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors. He commended former Minister Francis Mwebesa, the Ministers of State, the Permanent Secretary, and ministry staff for their dedication and contribution to the ministry’s work.
He emphasized that trade, industry, and cooperatives remain central to wealth creation, job generation, and the implementation of Uganda’s development agenda.
“This ministry is the engine of Uganda’s economy, making it the next war frontier,” Tanna said, while also praising the President’s choice of the ministry’s leadership team.
The new minister outlined four key priorities that will guide his tenure. These include promoting Made-in-Uganda products and expanding exports through the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy; accelerating industrialization and job creation through value addition and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); strengthening cooperatives and SACCOs as drivers of grassroots wealth creation; and building a responsive, professional, and corruption-free ministry.
Tanna also underscored the importance of reducing bureaucracy, improving service delivery, leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance efficiency, and fostering a culture of teamwork, integrity, and professionalism. He called on all stakeholders to work together in advancing Uganda’s industrialization, trade competitiveness, and overall economic transformation.
Permanent Secretary Ms. Lynette B. Bagonza commended Hon. Mwebesa for his steady leadership and contribution to advancing Uganda’s economic agenda during his tenure.
She welcomed Hon. Tanna and expressed confidence in his leadership as the ministry continues to pursue greater trade competitiveness, industrialization, export diversification, and private sector-led transformation.
