Gulu University with support from its management attended the 21st Edition of Jua-Kali that took place in Mwanza, Tanzania and they got Uganda in position two after the general ranking of Exhibitors per country was done as Kenya that year took the first position.
This was 2021 and Dr. Alice Lamwaka Veronica of Gulu University had just come with her herbal concoction of Covilyce for managing COVID-19 as the Government of Uganda had ordered for its clinical trial by that time. The vote of confidence for innovation was given to Gulu University.
This journey to Mwanza has kept Gulu University at Jua-Kali, but unfortunately, since then, it has been the only University in the EAC block going for the Trade Fair.
Gulu University came second among over 150 Exhibitors from Uganda who traveled to Bujumbura, Burundi for the 23rd East African Exhibition.
“It’s high time East African Leaders also ensure Academic Institutions start embracing the Jua Kali because, without the Academia, there would be no innovation”. Prof.Openjuru, the Gulu University Vice-Chancellor told the high-level delegation from Bujumbura on Uganda day that took place on December 13th, 2023.
Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, the East African Community Secretariat Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs said the Secretariat is willing to attract Academic institutions for the Jua-Kali Trade Fair.
Audio File one: Ms. Annette on Education Institution-Eng
She also used the opportunity to respond to Traders and the business community within the member states who through their leaders said the EAC exhibition ten days in most cases is not enough when time for traveling and peak of sales are factored in.
Audio file: Ms. Annette extension of days-Eng
About the 23rd Edition of Jua Kali in Burundi.
The 23rd Edition of the EAC Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair, popularly known as the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition, was officially opened on December 8th,2023 by the Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Prosper Bazombanza.
The 23rd EAC MSMEs Trade Fair ran from the 5th to 15th December 2023 at the Cercle Hyppique or Golf Course Grounds in Bujumbura, Burundi, and attracted more than 1,000 artisans from all the seven (7) EAC Partner states.
The theme of the 23rd edition was “Connecting East African MSMEs to enhance Intra-EAC Trade,” which aligns with the EAC.
Ends
