Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are steering their long-standing partnership into a new era of economic collaboration as preparations intensify for the Fourth Uganda–UAE Business Forum, slated for October 27 to 29 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
The high-level meeting will bring together senior government officials, corporate leaders, and investors from both nations to explore opportunities across strategic sectors including agriculture, tourism, oil and gas, renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation.
In the days leading up to the forum, a UAE delegation arrived in Uganda for preliminary engagements and sector tours, signalling growing confidence in Uganda’s investment potential. According to the Uganda Investment Authority, foreign direct investment from the UAE has soared from about US $300 million in 2018 to more than US $3.5 billion in 2024, while bilateral trade is now valued at approximately US $2.85 billion.
Organisers say this year’s edition will focus on translating commitments into tangible projects that create jobs and spur inclusive growth. The event will feature business-to-business and business-to-government dialogues, alongside field visits for Emirati investors to explore Uganda’s agro-industrial parks and renewable energy ventures.
Officials note that the collaboration aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the country’s ambition to attract responsible investment that supports industrialisation, value addition, and export diversification. “This partnership is about transforming opportunities into real outcomes that benefit Ugandans,” one investment official remarked.
Analysts view the Kampala forum as a strategic platform positioning Uganda as a gateway for Gulf investments into East Africa while offering the UAE access to new markets and resources. The partnership is expected to drive innovation, enhance technology transfer, and strengthen regional trade corridors.
However, experts caution that Uganda must ensure transparent governance and strong local participation to maximise the benefits of the growing investment inflows. Effective implementation and community engagement will be key to translating multi-billion-dollar commitments into lasting development gains.