Eastern Regional Trade Fair attracted approximately 35,000 Visitors
The on going 5th Eastern Regional Trade Fair in Uganda’s eastern district of Mbale has attracted roughly 160 local companies of which 20 are Kenyan companies. The Uganda Manufacturer Association (UMA) Principle organizers of other event anticipated that the fair would attract another 20 companies to total up 180 with over 35,000 visitors. Some of the Kenyan based companies for the exhibition include; Kenyan Ports Authority, Spectra Kenya and Sameer Agricultural and livestock company. The fair is aimed at opening new markets for exhibitors in eastern Uganda.
Eastern Uganda is one of the regions where Uganda’s tourism attractions are found; Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50km by 80 km), Mt Elgon is forth-highest mountain in east Africa, with the second highest peak in Uganda. It contains the largest intact calderas, a collapsed crater covering over 40kms at the top of the mountain, surrounded by e series of rugged peaks. The Bagisu and sabiny are the two ethnic tribes around the mountain. They practice subsistence farming and conduct circumcision ceremonies every even year to prepare young men for challenges of adulthood appealing for tourists as well as promoting Uganda tours. The communities have made agreement with the park for sustainable harvest of the traditional products.
Visiting Mbale’s Mt. Elgon National Park presents an exciting setting for extended hikes, interesting and unique flora and fauna, magnificent waterfalls, enormous caves, scenic peaks, gorges and hot springs, which bubble up at 48°c.
Every October of the year UMA organizes a main International Fair dubbed commonly know as Uganda International Trade Fair at lugogo show grounds in the capital by different companies across the world.