UGANDA NATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

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1 UGANDA NATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY Enhancing Business Opportunity 1

It is this diversity that makes UNCCI the eminent umbrella private sector organisation, dedicated to advancing commerce and industry in Uganda

2 The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) enjoys a multi sectoral membership with a nationwide outreach. The Chamber is characterised by a network of branches in over 80 districts. It is this diversity that makes UNCCI the eminent umbrella private sector organisation, dedicated to advancing commerce and industry in Uganda and globally through its partnership with the international business community. Plot 1A, Kira Road, Mulago. Kampala, Uganda Tel: / Fax: / info@chamberuganda.com

3 Table of Contents UNCCI Profile 1 Membership Department 2 Finance And Administration Department 7 Business Development Services Department 9 Trade, Policy Research and Advocacy Department 11 Communication Department 17 UNCCI Profile UNCCI MISSION To strengthen the private sector in Uganda, through emphasis of trade promotion, industrial development, effective advocacy for sustainable economic policies, and a conducive climate for economic development. UNCCI VISION To be the leading private sector body for the business community in Uganda, providing members with an influential local, regional and global network for business growth. UNCCI VALUES To achieve the above goals, UNCCI requires a set of values that shall define behavior and performance of staff within UNCCI, every day and everywhere. Our prioritized organizational values are: QUALITY SERVICE Offer relevant business development services in a timely and efficient manner INNOVATION Introducing new ideas; original and creative thinking INTEGRITY Commitment to inherent values of honesty, fairness and transparency TEAMWORK Galvanizing collective efficiency and realization of goals together 1

4 Membership Department Departmental Mission Initiate, foster and deliver membership Services so as to increase and sustain membership in line with the overall Chamber Mission. The core functions are: recruitment, retention, and the organization of new members. The Membership Department is responsible for developing and implementing an action plan for recruiting, retaining, and ensuring service delivery to Chamber members. Strategic Objectives: 1. To grow UNCCI s new effective membership by at least 60% per year during the plan period. Membership Growth and Active Recruitment Careful selection of active members will increase the Chamber s retention rate and reinforce positive attitudes toward new member recruitment. The Chamber actively seeks to recruit new members from any sphere within the business community who meet the stipulated requirements. Particular focus had been on the Top 1000 Revenue Earning entities in Uganda. In addition to these, attention had been given to the MSMEs in the economy. These include; Members of sectoral associations e.g. farmers association, traders associations, bankers, market vendors etc. Liaising with the Registrar of companies to avail lists of registered businesses in Uganda. 2. To stimulate effective membership through quality services and achieve 60% retention rate by the end of Effective membership refers to registered members who meet all their membership obligations as part of the UNCCI. The Chamber must position itself to play an important role in promoting and protecting the business interests of such members as they are active players in all relevant UNCCI activities. It must also put to offer a better package of quality services to the members. This will attract more effective membership to the organisation. A large effective-membership base will strengthen UNCCI and make it a legitimate, credible, and influential voice of the Ugandan business community. Becoming a member: To become a member, one is required to: Be of 18 years and above; Be a company registered by the Registrar of Companies; Have a business premise to address Membership Pay a one-time registration fee of 10,000 Uganda Shillings (about 5 U.S. $); and pay subscription fees at Ordinary, Silver, Gold and Associate levels. Membership Categories: Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry membership is divided into four categories: 1. Ordinary This comprises individual business persons seeking to register with the UNCCI. Registration fee for this category is 10,000 Uganda shillings paid once, and a subscription fee of 100,000 shillings. 2 3

5 2. Silver This comprises Micro-enterprises and small retail businesses. Registration fee for this category is 10,000 Uganda shillings paid once and a subscription fee of 250,000 shillings. 3. Gold This category is open to medium and large enterprises, employing more than 20 people. Registration fee for this category is 10,000 Uganda shillings and subscription fee is 500,000 shillings. 4. Associate This category is open to multi-national business entities, sector associations, large corporate companies and manufacturing industries with more than 50 employees. Registration fee is 10,000 and subscription fee 1,000, 000 million Uganda shillings. Membership Benefits Organizations/companies will benefit from the general services that UNCCI offers which include: 1. Source of credibility 2. Business Networking 3. Advocacy and Lobbying Members also benefit from all the services listed below and many more depending on the category which they subscribed for. Services UNCCI provides the following services to the business community: 1. Trade and Market Development: Organizing product exhibitions and trade fairs Information on prospective export markets Facilitate Buyer-Seller meetings and Trade delegations Expedite inward and outward trade and investment missions Facilitate market research Marketing of samples and showrooms Facilitate business matchmaking and joint ventures Support young entrepreneurs through the Young Achievers Awards 2. Training: Management Training Promoting business, technical and vocational training Seminars and Group consultancy 3. Advice and Consultancy: Best practice benchmarking among members Individual counseling and mentoring Financial and taxation advice Help with accountancy and book keeping 4. Information and Networking: Regular business meetings Industry clubs and committees Website and Internet-based business contacts Newsletters and publications UNCCI Resource Center Membership directory and database Conferences and High-Level meetings Annual and statistical reports 4 5

6 Disseminate up-to-date Business Information and Opportunities Advertising in our website and all our publications at discounted rates 5. Delegated Government Functions: Issuing certificates of origin Organization of vocational training schools 6. Lobbying and Advocacy Maintain structured dialogue to promote Public- Private partnerships Lobbying government to enable the business community Arbitration of Business Disputes Chamber Website The Chamber Website ( is a fundamental source of information for all Chamber members. Chamber members should visit www. chamberuganda.com on a regular basis to stay up-todate on all of the latest news from the Chamber. The information includes; Updates on all Chamber programs The downloadable Membership application form/ Data Form Latest news letter from UNCCI Upcoming events for the UNCCI Finance And Administration Department The UNCCI Finance and Administration Department has the following strategic objectives to observe for smooth running of the institution: Ensure proper financial management overall for all UNCCI activities. Ensure strong internal controls over all the assets and revenues for the Chamber. Strengthen management systems for cost effective functions and increased staff output. Streamlining Revenue collections from all active Districts. Periodic review for rewarding working environment and competitive UNCCI Secretariat staff remunerations. Provide strategic direction and leadership in income generation. To achieve the above strategic objectives the Department has to perform the following functions: Processing and filling all financial information in a systematic manner. Checking all financial information for correctness, authorization and completeness. Regular financial data capturing of all UNCCI transactions. Follow up proper approval, authorization of invoices/claims to ensure value for UNCCI money. Open new Bank Account accessible by all District membership to ease membership subscriptions annual payments. Encourage all District membership to make use 6 7

7 8 of the account by paying into all membership subscriptions. Generate monthly budgetary performance analysis reports for enhancing timely management decisions. Review and up date financial policies and recommend to Secretary General and Finance Committee for improvement. Enforce proper accountabilities from all staff and other parties to all payments and advancements made. Review of terms and working conditions of staff. Serving all UNCCI membership on timely basis. Ensure that all cash payments and cheques are paid in the Finance and Administration Department, properly receipted for accountability and proper records. By performing the above functions, the following Departmental output will be realized to archive the Institutional goals: 1. Proper financial policies and best practices adhered to by concerned parties. 2. Budgetary performance monthly reports prepared to make timely informed decisions. 3. Compliance to internal controls and controlled budgetary expenditure. 4. All UNCCI resources managed in accordance with the best practices. 5. All District revenues collections will be streamlined and banked into UNCCI Bank Account. 6. Accurate and proper financial records/reports processed and readily available for interested parties. 7. A well motivated work force and performing Secretariat. Business Development Services Department The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a private sector body in Uganda which seeks to strengthen the private sector through advocating for a favorable business and investment climate for the business community. UNCCI is a member of the worldwide chamber movement with links to the ; Islamic Chamber of Commerce (ICCI), East African Business Council (EABC), COMESA business council, International Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ICC), Union of African Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (UACCIA) and so forth. In addition, through its Business Development Services department, it offers enterprise support to SMEs to boost their competitiveness. The Objectives for Business Development Services Department are as follows:- 1. Create and Design better package of Quality Services to UNCCI Membership 2. Delivery of innovative demand driven services and products that enhance the relevance, attractiveness and value of UNCCI membership 3.Create business opportunities for UNCCI membership 4. Facilitate business training programs 5. Provide business and investment advisory services 6. Facilitate market researches and feasibility studies 9

and suppliers for companies Buyer-Seller meetings and subcontracting exchanges Coordination and Facilitation of Trade and investment delegations Facilitate business matchmaking and

Information and Networking: Organising ChamberNet events Organising Conferences and High-Level meetings Processing up-to-date Business Information and Opportunities 2.

8 Services offered: 1. Trade and Market Development: Organizing product exhibitions and trade fairs both inward and outward Information on prospective export markets Identification of prospective buyers and suppliers for companies Buyer-Seller meetings and subcontracting exchanges Coordination and Facilitation of Trade and investment delegations Facilitate business matchmaking and joint ventures Support young entrepreneurs Verification of credibility of potential business partners Prepare Business start up packs 4. Information and Networking: Organising ChamberNet events Organising Conferences and High-Level meetings Processing up-to-date Business Information and Opportunities 2. Training: Management Training especially for MSEs Promoting business, technical and vocational training Awareness Seminars e.g tax seminars with URA, EAC rules of origin, financial literacy 3. Advice and Consultancy: Provide information on Procurement Processes in the Public Sector Individual mentoring of businesses especially new companies Basic market research for new and established companies 10 11

9 Policy & Advocacy Department 1.0 Introduction The Policy and Advocacy department is one of the five departments of the UNCCI whose mission is to proactively promote advocacy and representation of the business community through aggressive research and bottom up consultations. 2.0 Activities of the department Collection and analysis of data on issues affect the business community to inform lobbying and advocacy. 12 Analysis of draft policies, bills and regulations to ensure that the interests of the business community are taken into consideration. Adequate representation of the business community at different national, regional and international policy platforms. Constant consultation, sensitization and feedback to the business community on business and trade related issues. Resource mobilization for the Institution Continually engage in policy dialogue at national, regional and international levels, to enable UNCCI contribute positively to decisions and policy debates for the purpose of effective representation of the membership. Benchmarking policies in the region through the regional network of Chambers for harmonization of the regional trade. Forge strategic alliances, locally, regionally, and internationally with major business advocacy groups to broaden platforms for representation and advocacy 3.0 Recent undertakings of the department Local content policy dialogues: The department conducted two policy dialogues on local content in the Oil and Gas sector in Uganda, one in Jinja and the other in Masindi. The aim was to create awareness to our members and the general business community on the progress of the country in regard to the development of national content participation policy and strategy. It was also intended to solicit views of the business community to feed into the draft national content policy. Some of the participants that attended the local content policy dialogue in Jinja. Resource mobilization: The department writes a number of funding proposals for submission to various funding agencies for possible support to UNCCI. Of recent, proposals have been sent to such funding organizations such as United States African Development Foundation; USAID- Governance, Accountability, Participation and Performance (GAPP); Agro Pro-Focus Uganda; South to South Global Assets and Technology Exchange (SS GATE) among others. 13

10 14 Budget consultations with members: UNCCI undertook a series of consultations with its members to inform the national budget for the Financial Year 2012/2013, culminating into a national budget workshop. The aim of these consultations was to collect views from the business community on the key bottlenecks to the business environment and make proposals on how these could be mitigated through the national budget. The views collected were submitted to Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and to the Budget Committee of Parliament. Policy dialoguing with Parliament: On 27th February, 2013, UNCCI was invited by the Parliamentary Committee on the National Economy to present views of its members and the general business community on the oil and gas sector in Uganda. The presentation which was made under the theme Oil & Gas Discovery: Challenges and Opportunities for Uganda, highlighted the concerns of the business community in regard to the oil and gas sector. The major focus was on the need by government to empower the private sector and local communities to benefit from the sector in form of local content as well emphasis on prudent management and utilization of oil and gas revenues by government. The presentation drew commendation from Members of Parliament across the political divide. Sensitization on PVoC Program: UNCCI in collaboration with Uganda National Bureau of Standards organized a sensitization workshop for its members and the entire business community on the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards (PVoC) program. The sensitization workshop was held on 21st February, 2013 at the Uganda Manufacturer s Association Conference Hall. The workshop was aimed at enabling the business community to understand the concept of PVoC and how it works as well as the benefits the program would bring especially regarding the fight against sub-standard products on the Ugandan market. Advocacy newspaper articles: The department has spearheaded the production and publication of numerous advocacy articles in the print media on various topical policy issues that relate to the business environment in Uganda and the EAC region. The aim of these articles is to highlight topical issues in the business environment that require the attention of policy and decision makers for the befit of business. UNCCI has received commendations from various quarters about the topical issues that we been highlighting in the press. Chamber Newsletter: The department started a quarterly publication called the Chamber Newsletter with the objective of keeping our members and the entire business community posted about what is happening within and outside UNCCI. It gives updates on trade, business community, upcoming events and business opportunities. Uganda-South Sudan trade Peace Building Initiative: Due to the prevailing trade conflicts between Ugandan traders in South Sudan and their counterparts, the Chamber under its partnership with International Alert are organizing a series of activities under the Uganda-South Sudan Trade Peace Building Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to come up with amicable solutions to the trade conflicts between the Uganda-South Sudan Trading communities, so as to fully maximize the trading and investment opportunities South Sudan has to offer in the future. 15

11 16 Presentation of papers in various forums: UNCCI is always invited to present papers in various workshops and conferences. The department has made numerous presentations in both national and international forums. Such forums include the COMESA Extractive Industries Summit that was held on 10th May, 2013 at Munyonyo; the Uganda Investment Authority Investment Forum that was held in Masaka in September, among others. Mr. Nsereko Mike, the head of Policy and Advocacy making a presentation during a conference. Review of various policy documents from stakeholder institutions: On many occasions, UNCCI is asked to provide input to different policy and trade related documents by different stakeholders and partners in and outside the country to provide a private sector perspective on various issues. The department manages this function. Coordination of ICC World Chambers Federation activities in Uganda: UNCCI works in close partnership with the ICC World Chambers given that the President of UNCCI is also the Vice president of the World Chambers Federation. The department coordinates all the activities of ICC World Chambers federation in Uganda. It is because of this close collaboration that the ICC World Chambers federation has agreed to hold its Executive Board meeting of June, 2014 in Uganda. This will be the first that such a meeting is held in Africa. Communication Department Communication Department s mission is to focus on business values through providing innovative, timely, reliable, and secure messages technology services and boost the UNCCI s role of enhancing the business community in Uganda. It is a cross-cutting function to continuously create public awareness of essential services offered by the Chamber and garner public support. 1.1 Core Services Corporate image Sharing and dissemination of messages to promote commerce Enhancement of the Chamber visibility Corporate social responsibility to the business communities Management of communication platforms including websites, brochure, directories, magazines, newsletters and other publications Provision of ICT trainings and IT advisory services Marketing and promotion of members products and services through technology Event planning and management to enhance visibility Mainstreaming & integrating ICT in the Chamber programs and core activities Our Corporate Social Communication Channels 17

1.2 Communication Platforms a) UNCCI Website (www.chamberuganda.com) With an average of 1.1 million page views each month, UNCCI online website (www.chamberuganda.com) is among the top-viewed business information portal in world.

Uganda among others. We offer the business community an opportunity to reach their target consumer and marketing goals through advertising on our website at affordable rates.

12 1.2 Communication Platforms a) UNCCI Website ( With an average of 1.1 million page views each month, UNCCI online website ( is among the top-viewed business information portal in world. Our website features up-to-date information on trade, business opportunities, UNCCI services and activities, membership information, directory of UNCCI memberships, news and events, information about Uganda among others. We offer the business community an opportunity to reach their target consumer and marketing goals through advertising on our website at affordable rates. b) The Chamber Magazine The chamber Magazine comes out twice in a year. Catch the latest and topical articles on business environment in Uganda, and activities undertaken by UNCCI, its international and local partners. Our rates are affordable because we value your money and focus on enhancing your business. c) The Chamber Newsletter The Chamber Newsletter comes out every after a quarter of the year. Our objective is to update UNCCI membership, business community, and the public on trade-happenings, upcoming events and business opportunities in the chamber, EAC region and the globe. The Chamber Newsletter also serves as an affordable advertising outlet mailed to over 200 million businesses, partners and donors addresses. You can insert a business format advert in the UNCCI Newsletter to as low as 50 $ per issue. Chamber Business Directory 2014 The chamber Business Directory comes both on print media and CD (Digital format) and distributed to over 200 million businesses, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the general public. UNCCI hosts an average of over 60 international inward/outward trade delegations, over 200 workshops/conferences and affiliated to 36 chambers of commerce. Discover your business growth, visibility, increased crossborder markets, ideal customers, and credibility of your business by advertising in the Chamber Business Directory. Our rates are affordable because we value your money and focus on enhancing your business

The Business Resource Center The UNCCI Resource Center provides additional information resources for the UNCCI members, business community, University students, and the general public.

13 The Business Resource Center The UNCCI Resource Center provides additional information resources for the UNCCI members, business community, University students, and the general public. The center is equipped with over 10,000 business books, journals, magazines, textbooks, business statistics, reports, newsletters, directories, religious books, law and political sciences books and technology books. We also have over 20 computers connected to a very fast internet and UNCCI intranet for information access worldwide. The main purposes of this Center are; a) To create a favorable business environment for easy exchange and dissemination information, and opportunities. b) To promote Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility with practical adaptation to the business community, undertake training, and support technological transfer to cope the gap in the business operations. The center is open Monday Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm. 20

14 For more information, please visit or contact: Plot 1A, Kira Road, Mulago. Kampala, Uganda Tel: / Fax: /

COMPANY PROFILE.

COMPANY PROFILE. COMPANY PROFILE Plot 1A, Kiira Road, Mulago P.O. Box: 3809,Kampala. Uganda Email: info@chamberuganda.com Tel: +256 312 266323 / 753 503035 Tel: +256 312 266323 / 753 503035 Email: info@chamberuganda.com