In a significant move to assert its trade identity and enhance the global competitiveness of its exports, Uganda has officially secured its own national GS1 barcode identifier. The development marks a critical milestone in the country’s efforts to improve the authenticity, traceability, and transparency of Ugandan-made products in regional and international markets.
Until now, Ugandan manufacturers and exporters have had to rely on barcode prefixes from neighboring countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. This workaround not only misclassified Ugandan products as originating from those countries, but also compromised the integrity of Uganda’s export data. As a result, many high-quality Ugandan goods were effectively “rebranded” under foreign identities, undermining national trade visibility and recognition.
With the introduction of a dedicated Ugandan GS1 barcode prefix, products manufactured within Uganda will now carry a unique national identifier that clearly distinguishes them as Ugandan on global shelves. Trade officials and industry leaders have hailed the move as a game-changer for the country’s export economy.
“This is not just about a barcode. It’s about brand Uganda,” said a senior official from Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. “Having our own GS1 identifier empowers local producers to showcase the origin of their goods with confidence and credibility, while also strengthening Uganda’s position in global value chains.”
The new barcode system is expected to improve traceability, a key requirement in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, where consumers and regulators demand transparency about product origins and supply chains. It also helps standardize export documentation and aligns Uganda with international trade compliance norms.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda, many of whom previously faced barriers accessing export markets, the national barcode system will provide a more level playing field. Local entrepreneurs will now be able to build their brands under a Ugandan identity, with the assurance that their products are correctly represented.
The development comes amid a broader push by the Ugandan government to formalize trade structures, digitize customs processes, and increase export earnings by promoting value-added goods. According to the Uganda Export Promotion Board, misclassified exports have historically contributed to underreported trade volumes and hampered efforts to target growth sectors.
The implementation of the GS1 Uganda system is supported by international standards organizations and aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives of facilitating intra-African trade through harmonized product identification and reduced non-tariff barriers.
As Uganda begins to roll out the new system nationwide, manufacturers are being encouraged to register for national barcodes and update their packaging and logistics systems accordingly. Capacity-building initiatives are also underway to train producers on the benefits and usage of GS1 standards.
With this step forward, Uganda is poised to reinforce its economic identity on the global stage—ensuring that “Made in Uganda” truly means what it says.
