Establishing Well Functioning National Trade Facilitation Bodies (NTFBs)
In the OIC Member States
80
4.2.3.1. Analysis
The main obstacles faced by the NTFB of Uganda are: the lack of financial resources, first and
foremost, as a budget is necessary for the creation of a permanent secretariat; as well as the
organization of NTFB meetings91; the lack of coordination among different institutions, 92 and the lack
of commitment by members in terms of resources.93
Main Achievements
The main achievements are:
 Leadership: There is a remarkable leadership and organization by the focal point of the MTTI
 Commitment: Both public and private sectors are committed and willing to encourage the
activities of NTFB.94
 Qualitative participation: Individuals attending the meetings are senior representatives of
the different institutions, and have a good level of understanding of trade politics.95
 International Trade Facilitation Expos PSFU 96
Since 2005, PSFU has been organizing International Trade Facilitation Expos aimed at bringing
together trade facilitators and service providers under one roof with the potential and actual
business entities who are the users. PSFU has so far held eight such successful events.
4.2.3.2. Conclusions and Recommendations
The following solutions are proposed:
Permanent secretariat: A permanent secretariat is necessary. This could be managed by one person,
who could be a consultant to the individual managing the NTB secretariat. 97
Need for regular meetings: The NTFB needs to meet regularly. 98
Increasing manpower: Individuals dedicated to following up on the NTFB must be involved in the
process. 99
Funding: The NTFB needs resources and seed funds for operations to begin properly, and
particularly for: a permanent secretariat, refreshments for meetings, research papers, transport
refunds, communication, etc. 100
Location of the meetings: If meetings were to be held in Kampala, it could be easier for
representatives to attend them. 101
90 Ms. Elizabeth Tamale, op. cit.
91 Ms. Giorgina Nampera, op. cit.
92 Ms. Elizabeth Tamale, op. cit.
93 Ms. Giorgina Nampera, op. cit.
94 Emmanuel Atwine, Project Manager, NRSE-NTBs, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
95-104 Ibid
96 Ms. Eva Nakabonge Ekanya, Trade Policy Officer, Private Sector Foundation Uganda
97 Ms. Elizabeth Tamale, op. cit.
98 Ms. Giorgina Nampera, op. cit.
99 Ms. Elizabeth Tamale, op. cit.
100 Ibid
101 Ms. Giorgina Nampera, op. cit.