Kampala, July 9, 2025 —
A high-level Uganda-Kenya trade and investment mission concludes today in Kampala, marking four days of strategic dialogue, networking, and renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties and unlocking East Africa’s trade potential.
Launched on July 6 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kampala, the mission has been jointly coordinated by Uganda’s Consulate in Mombasa under the leadership of Ambassador Paul Mukumbya. It brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and trade regulators from both nations.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Joash Maangi, praised the proactive approach of Ambassador Mukumbya, calling his diplomacy “results-oriented” and critical to boosting Uganda’s economic engagement with the Kenyan business community.
“This is diplomacy that delivers tangible results. Uganda is reaping the benefits of consistent, business-focused diplomacy,” Maangi noted.
Ambassador Mukumbya acknowledged the leadership of Mr. Samora Marcel, who headed the Kenyan private sector delegation and championed efforts to address cross-border trade challenges through practical collaboration.
Kenyan business leaders participating in the mission called for the creation of a dedicated Ugandan government liaison office to further support investors and streamline trade facilitation.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was represented by Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation, who emphasized the country’s long-term commitment to economic diplomacy and positioning Uganda as a dependable regional trade hub.
“This is not just another event on the calendar. It is a deliberate investment in Uganda’s economic future,” Kabonero stated.
Minister of State for Trade, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the need to boost intra-EAC trade, which remains at just 16%, significantly lower than intra-regional trade levels in the European Union.
“The future of East Africa must be made in East Africa, for East Africans,” Mbadi said, urging the removal of non-tariff barriers and stronger regional collaboration.
Throughout the mission, Ugandan agencies including the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB), Uganda Free Zones Authority (UFZA), and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) showcased the country’s evolving regulatory landscape, digital investment platforms, and trade infrastructure.
Day one featured high-level B2B and G2G sessions covering key sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, and real estate. Delegates from Kenya lauded Uganda’s openness and provided feedback to improve business processes further.
According to figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Bank of Uganda, Kenya remains Uganda’s top trading partner within the region. In 2024, Uganda exported goods worth $774.6 million to Kenya while importing $729.3 million, reflecting a favorable trade balance.
The final day of the mission includes field visits to the Entebbe Free Zone and Entebbe International Airport’s cargo terminal, alongside cultural experiences around Kampala.
This mission underscores the importance of regional cooperation in driving prosperity. As Uganda and Kenya deepen their partnership, both countries are making it clear that the path to long-term economic growth lies in shared ambition, regional integration, and private sector leadership.