By Kiyimba Bruno
Kiyimba.Bruno@gmail.com
Today civil societies have requested the government of the republic of Uganda and the East African Community (EAC) to completely phase out the importation of second hand clothes in the region.
The request was conducted at the SEATINI offices in Ntinda. Here the civil societies voiced concerns and positions on how they feel about the issue.
They brought out facts that the heads of state on 20th February 2015 directed the council ministers to study modalities for the promotion of textile and leather industries in the region.
The decision arose out of the need for the EAC to advance a market driven towards integration by boosting manufacturing and industrialization.
It is on this note that Amb. Nathan Irumba,the executive director SEATINI Uganda requested the government to seriously support both financially and policy wise the growth of the cotton textile and apparel sector.
Nanduddu Believes that women in Uganda play a big role in the industry since they are talented.
“Women do the knitting. We used to have Jinja clothes not because that they are Jinja but because they came from Jinja.” Said George Magimbi,a policy officer.
He went ahead to urge government to support to cotton and textile industry since if these companies are here,unemployment would be reduced as well as producing a sustainable and decent economic growth.
He also believes that with vision 2040 as well as Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) projects, these clothes should be phased out.
Susan Nanduddu,the Executive director ACTTADE believes that by phasing out these second hand clothes shall make us reach the presidents vision of 2040.
“I believe that the parliament of Uganda shall bring that bill back to table and completely second hand clothes. Our administrators should look at our divinity of not putting on pants that have already been used by Americans,” said Nanduddu.
They also believe that AGOA should not be used as a depositing mode to Africa but rather a mode of development.
These involved the African Centre for Trade and development, southern and Eastern Trade Information and Negociationa Institute (SEATINI),African Center for Trade and Development and many more.
With the increased purchase of second hands in Uganda,the question that stays is whether Ugandans shall afford the newly produced clothes here on Uganda.
However if we are to move forward,we.need to insist on standards.
When you analyse AGOA,you shall realize that market access is for those who are prepared.
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