Participation in national exhibitions provides an important avenue for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and local enterprise. From 5th to 10th October 2025 KRC-Uganda, through the VIBRANT Project, proudly exhibited at the 31st Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) International Trade Fair held at the UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo. The event offered a dynamic platform to showcase the richness of Ugandan vanilla and the creativity of youth craft enterprises from the Rwenzori Region.
The KRC-Uganda exhibition booth attracted more than 150 visitors, including farmers, traders, donors, exporters and government representatives. Through interactive sessions, visitors learned about vanilla value addition from curing and processing to the production of high-quality vanilla paste, powder, and caviar. Despite Uganda’s local vanilla consumption remaining at about 1%, there was clear enthusiasm and curiosity about how to make the product more accessible to local markets.
During the six-day exhibition, the team successfully sold 10 kilograms of cured vanilla, 300 grams of caviar worth UGX 60,000, 400 grams of vanilla paste worth UGX 80,000, and 400 grams of vanilla powder worth UGX 70,000, earning a total of over UGX 1.2 million. These sales not only reflected strong public interest but also demonstrated the potential of Uganda’s vanilla industry when supported by strategic marketing and attractive packaging.
The event also generated valuable discussions on how to improve marketing and pricing strategies for both vanilla and crafts. Visitors emphasized the importance of introducing smaller, affordable packaging for local buyers and enhancing product presentation to appeal to broader market segments. KRC-Uganda intends to integrate these insights into its future marketing plans, ensuring that pricing remains competitive while sustaining quality and profitability for farmers and youth entrepreneurs.
Alongside the vanilla products, the booth featured an impressive display of youth craft products that captivated both national and international visitors. These crafts showcased the creativity, innovation, and determination of young people supported by KRC-Uganda’s Youth Hub enterprises. Their integration with vanilla products at the exhibition underscored the importance of inclusive economic empowerment and the power of youth innovation.
A highlight of the exhibition was a visit from Lucie Carlier, the Project Manager Social Protection and Decent Work, who expressed deep appreciation for both the vanilla products and the youth crafts. She commended the creativity, collaboration, and professionalism demonstrated by the KRC-Uganda team and their partners, noting that such initiatives reflect the positive impact of the VIBRANT Project in empowering communities and promoting value addition.
The participation at the UMA Trade Fair enhanced KRC-Uganda’s visibility, strengthened partnerships with key institutions such as ENABEL, UNBS, and URSB, and created new market linkages with exporters and private traders. More importantly, it reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to building resilient livelihoods through innovation, enterprise, and collaboration.
As KRC-Uganda looks ahead, the experience gained from the UMA Trade Fair will guide future strategies focusing on improved packaging and labeling, enhanced pricing models, and continued participation in trade events to sustain visibility and market growth. The event was not only a success in sales and networking but also a testament to the power of creativity, teamwork, and belief in Uganda’s potential to thrive through local enterprise.
Compiled by Carol Namagembe
Production and Marketing Officer, VIBRANT
