The association advises the government of Uganda in the formulation of national and regional industrial policy.
[2][3] The headquarters of UMA are located at the Lugogo Show Grounds, in the Nakawa Division of Kampala, the capital and largest city in Uganda.
[7] In April 1988, the late James Mulwana, led a group of Ugandan industrialists and manufacturers to inaugurate UMA.
The founder-members included James Mulwana, Alam Manzoor, Aga Ssekalaala Sr., Gordon Wavamunno, Henry Makmot and several other executives from government parastatal companies.
Later, UMA, led by James Mulwana was given 22 acres (9 ha) by the government of Uganda, where the association constructed its current show grounds.