Uganda has formally established its first national umbrella body for Business Development Services (BDS) providers, in a move aimed at strengthening enterprise support and accelerating private sector growth.
The association was launched by State Minister for Trade in charge of Industry, David Bahati, during a ceremony held in Kampala on Thursday.
The newly formed body brings together a wide range of actors offering business support services, including consultants, trainers, financial advisors, and organizations focused on enterprise development.
It is expected to provide a coordinated framework to improve service delivery and expand outreach to businesses across the country.
In his remarks, Bahati said the initiative is designed to address longstanding gaps in the business support ecosystem, particularly the fragmentation and inconsistency in the quality of services offered to entrepreneurs.
He stressed that standardizing BDS provision would help businesses grow more sustainably and competitively.
“Many enterprises fail not because they lack potential, but because they lack access to structured guidance. This association will ensure that support services are professional, reliable, and impactful,” he said.
The association will also play a policy advocacy role, representing the interests of BDS providers while working closely with government agencies to shape a more enabling business environment.
It is expected to introduce guidelines, promote certification, and enhance accountability within the sector.
Private sector stakeholders and development partners have praised the move as a timely intervention that could significantly improve the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of Uganda’s economy.
Analysts say the establishment of the association aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy to drive industrialization, boost entrepreneurship, and create jobs through a more structured and supportive business ecosystem.
