The Chairman and Board of the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) have announced the 5th Bi-Annual CEO Retreat, set to take place in Gulu City from 1st to 3rd September 2024.
Hosted under the patronage of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the event will bring together leading CEOs from Northern Uganda, policymakers, and key figures from various sectors, including MDA representatives, Ugandan leaders, and religious figures.
The retreat, themed “Battle to Green Fields: Transforming Northern Uganda into an Agricultural Production and Logistical Hub for Exports,” aims to expedite the region’s transformation into a cornerstone of Uganda’s economic landscape.
According to Emmanuel Katongole , the chairman board of directors of the presidential CEO forum, it will focus on agricultural and logistical advancements, and the Forum’s commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity.
Katongole explains that over the course of three days, attendees will engage in insightful panel discussions, strategic sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The event will feature contributions from ministries, departments, agencies, and private enterprises, all working together to explore innovative solutions and investment opportunities that will drive Uganda’s economic transformation.
“We are excited to bring together Uganda’s business leaders from the region, policymakers, and visionaries to chart the path towards a vibrant and resilient economic future for Northern Uganda. This retreat signifies our collective commitment to harnessing the region’s potential, leveraging agriculture and logistics to drive sustainable development and prosperity for all,” said Katongole in a statement released.
He further noted that according to a report by the World Bank, Agriculture, being the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributes a significant quarter of the national gross domestic product (GDP) and supports 70% of the population. However, the sector’s growth has been alarmingly slow, with an annual output increase of only 2% over the last five years well below its potential.
In contrast, other East African Community members have reported output growth as high as 5% during the same period.
Katongole says despite these challenges, Uganda’s population has been growing at a rate of 3.3% per annum, as reported by UBOS in 2022.
He notes that this year’s 5th Bi-Annual CEO Retreat, aims to accelerate Uganda’s development agenda, particularly focusing on the Agro-Industrialization pillar.
The retreat is expected to be a key catalyst for actionable insights and partnerships that will amplify Uganda’s agro-sector tenfold.
The event will also serve as a platform for dynamic dialogue, bringing together thought leaders and innovators, reinforcing the PCF’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic transformation.
According to him, the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) continues to promote private sector engagement in Uganda’s development roadmap. This engagement is driven by a board composed of senior citizens from the private and public sectors, working closely with key government ministries, departments, and agencies. By facilitating discussions that yield actionable outcomes, the PCF plays an essential role in fostering economic growth and ensuring Uganda’s agricultural sector realizes its full potential.
Founded in 2016, the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) is committed to driving Uganda’s economic strategy by promoting robust private sector involvement in development initiatives.
With a strong focus on agriculture and international collaborations, the PCF is a key player in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Uganda.
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