President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has named seasoned trade expert Moses Sabiiti as Senior Presidential Advisor on Exports and Industrial Development, reinforcing government efforts to accelerate Uganda’s industrial growth and expand its export footprint. The appointment places Sabiiti at the heart of strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking new markets and strengthening the country’s competitiveness.
Sabiiti brings extensive experience from his 12-year tenure at Trademark Africa, where he most recently served as Country Director. Following his departure, he assumed the role of Vice Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), a body chaired by Odrek Rwabogo that focuses on identifying trade opportunities and resolving constraints facing exporters.
His new assignment comes at a time when Uganda is intensifying efforts to promote value addition and diversify export destinations. Sabiiti was appointed alongside Richard Byarugaba, former Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund, signaling a broader strategy to draw on experienced leadership to guide economic policy and industrial expansion.
During his leadership at Trademark Africa, Sabiiti oversaw the development of transformative trade infrastructure. Key achievements included the construction of One Stop Border Posts at Malaba, Elegu/Nimule, Mutukula, and Kagitumba/Mirama Hills, as well as the Ntungamo–Mirama Hills road project, all of which significantly improved cross-border efficiency and reduced transaction costs for traders.
He also directed the rollout of donor-funded projects worth approximately $100 million, targeting trade facilitation and logistics. These projects encompassed the Gulu Logistics Hub, Busia One Stop Border Post, Ntoroko Port, and the Goli–Mahagi OSBP, alongside laboratory facilities for the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to enhance product certification and standards compliance.
Beyond infrastructure, Sabiiti played a pivotal role in modernizing Uganda’s trade systems. Through the National Electronic Single Window Project, he supervised the automation of trade portals across multiple government agencies, streamlining processes for exporters and strengthening coordination between regulatory bodies.
Earlier in his career, he served as a senior customs manager at the Uganda Revenue Authority, where he implemented reforms to improve border operations and facilitate smoother cargo movement through key entry points, including Entebbe International Airport.
In response to his appointment, Sabiiti expressed appreciation to President Museveni for the confidence placed in him and pledged to advance Uganda’s export agenda. Members of the PACEID secretariat welcomed his elevation, expressing optimism that his experience in trade facilitation, exporter training, and value addition will help drive higher export volumes and open up new global markets for Ugandan products.
