Exim Bank Uganda has provided financing for Yangtze Industry Ltd’s new glue production facility at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, promoting local production and reducing reliance on imported products. The facility was officially launched on October 1, 2026, in a ceremony attended by government officials, business leaders, and financial-sector stakeholders. This development aligns with Uganda’s efforts to deepen local production.
Minister of State for Local Government Balaam Barugahara inaugurated the facility, commending Yangtze Industry for investing in local manufacturing and creating employment opportunities. He also recognised Exim Bank’s role in supporting the project. The investment comes at a time when Uganda’s industrial sector is recording continued growth, despite manufacturers facing cost and operating pressures.
According to Uganda Bureau of Statistics data, manufacturing grew by 5.5% in the financial year 2025/26, while the wider industry sector expanded by 6.4% and accounted for 24.1% of the economy’s gross domestic product. This growth highlights the significance of investments in the manufacturing sector.
The Uganda Manufacturers Association estimates that manufacturing contributes up to 16.5% of GDP, directly employs more than 1.3 million people, and generates about US$2.9 billion in exports. Financing for productive investments, such as the Yangtze Industry facility, could help companies expand capacity, introduce new products, and strengthen domestic supply chains.
Exim Bank’s support for businesses aims to provide financing and other financial solutions to facilitate capital investment, business expansion, and trade. The bank was represented at the launch by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Anthony Mariiro, Head of Business Banking Francis K. Mulero, and Relationship Manager Proscovia Mwanje Nabulya.
The new glue production facility adds to industrial activity at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park and is expected to create employment while generating opportunities for local suppliers and other businesses linked to the manufacturing value chain. This development comes as Uganda seeks to increase the contribution of manufacturing to economic growth by encouraging investment in production, industrial infrastructure, and value addition.
The launch of the glue production facility marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s industrial development, with Exim Bank playing a crucial role in supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector. The bank’s financing will enable Yangtze Industry Ltd to expand its operations and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
Key points
- Exim Bank Uganda provides financing for Yangtze Industry Ltd’s new glue production facility at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park.
- The facility is expected to create employment and generate opportunities for local suppliers and other businesses linked to the manufacturing value chain.
- Uganda’s manufacturing sector grew by 5.5% in the financial year 2025/26, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
