What UNCCI means to the Ugandan Business community

The anxiety caused by the great depression of 1930's arose the need of a business community to
guard the financial base of the members involved in international trade. The consequence was the
establishment of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) by the business
community during 1933. UNCCI is the oldest surviving nation-wide umbrella organisation for the
private sector of business in Uganda. Its objective is to promote and protect the business interest in
all sectors that are the base of the national economy like- trade, manufacture, travel and services. It
is contributing towards this objective by influencing the strategic decisions on policies and by the
recommendation to the government bodies.
The 1972 recession resulted in the weakening of the UNCCI which was later reconstituted in 1978
and registered as a limited company. The leadership was made electoral of a term of 5
administrative years. Currently, UNCCI is benefited with cross-sector membership across the
country. Its district chamber branches are in almost 80 districts covering all regions. The purpose of
the Chamber is to provide local, regional and global access to influential business communities.
These purposes create a conducive atmosphere for overall economic development which it expects
to achieve through quality service, innovation, integrity and teamwork among the business
connections in the network.
Membership categories of UNCCI
1. Ordinary (For individual business persons)
2. Silver (For Microenterprises and small retail businesses)
3. Gold (Open for Medium and Large Enterprises)
4. Associate (Multinational businesses, Sector-wise Associations, Large Corporate Companies
and Manufacturing industries are eligible for membership)
Click here for more information on the membership fees.
Benefits of Membership
UNCCI Services

Advocacy and influencing

Lobbying and advocacy department researches on various issues influencing business communities
including laws and policies and presents them to different bodies to promote a growth oriented
business system. The UNCCI is a voice of the business community which helps sort out the standings
and issues with Ugandan Government.

Issue of Certificate of Origin

Certificate of Origin in vital for exports as a part of documentation process and the UNCCI is one of
the few organisations that have authority to issue the Certificate of Origin. Subsidised fee and
hassle-free processing are the benefits to its member businesses.

Business Advisory Services

Small retail operations to huge multinational corporations are offered the most dynamic and up-todate business information, advisory and developmental services. This service minimizes risks and
increases the chances of winning.

Business community networking

Through the various programmes like meetings, conferences, events and fairs that are conducted or
facilitated by the Chamber, business networking increases the chances of longer business
relationships among businesses. But the appropriate mode of communication keeps changing with
time and the businessmen need to stay abreast of the recent developments in the Chamber.

Arbitrator while settling disputes

Disputes between the members of UNCCI, or between members and the government are settled
through arbitration mechanism which helps even-out business conflicts. The chamber holds a
strong ground in judgment because of its broad scope of membership and its collection of vast
knowledge concerning business.

Awards and Recognition

Young Achiever Awards are given away as a motivational tool in promoting

Supports skills development

With the partner-support, the skill-developmental courses are held to sharpen the business skills of
the members. This helps in fine-tuning of the large unskilled labour force.

Up-to-date business information and Customised statistical report generation

Business decision-making is made easy with statistical report generation that can be customised.
These statistical reports are utilised to influence the business decisions.

Facilitating inbound and outbound trade and investments

The Chamber organises and participates in various events and fairs to promote the Ugandan trade
and business as well as individual businesses. This also involves marketing around the globe.
Invitations to upcoming trade, business events and likely can be found here.
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