Kampala, Uganda – October 29, 2025
BY JOSEPH KIGGUNDU
Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen economic cooperation, with renewed calls to translate growing trade relations into tangible investment outcomes. This comes as the 4th Uganda–UAE Business Forum concluded at Speke Resort Munyonyo, drawing senior government officials, corporate leaders, and investors from both nations.
Representing the Chamber President Ms. Olive Kigongo, Mr. Stephen Kalibala, Vice President of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI), underscored the importance of private sector collaboration in driving bilateral trade and investment.
“With over 1,000 UAE businesses already operating in Uganda and 52 registered and licensed investments, the opportunities are clear,” Mr. Kalibala noted. “Uganda is truly unlocking opportunities and building bridges through trade and investment.”
Mr. Kalibala commended the Ugandan government for sustaining an enabling business environment through infrastructure expansion, improved trade facilitation, and investor-friendly reforms. He encouraged UAE investors to take advantage of Uganda’s emerging opportunities in agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, real estate, and ICT.
He reaffirmed UNCCI’s readiness to guide investors through the country’s investment processes, offering a vital link between the private sector and government institutions.
“At UNCCI, we are ready to provide the necessary linkage between the private sector and government institutions to ensure that both local and foreign investors can thrive in a transparent and predictable business environment,” he emphasized.
The forum, themed “Unlocking Opportunities – Building Bridges Through Trade and Investment,” served as a key platform for both countries to discuss strategies for expanding bilateral cooperation.
According to the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UAE surged from about US$300 million in 2018 to over US$3.5 billion in 2024, with bilateral trade now valued at approximately US$2.85 billion.
Delegates from the UAE also toured Uganda’s agro-industrial parks and renewable energy sites as part of efforts to identify viable projects. The engagements, officials said, align with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which prioritizes industrialization, value addition, and export diversification.
“This partnership is about transforming opportunities into real outcomes that benefit Ugandans,” one investment official remarked.
Experts believe the Uganda–UAE partnership positions Uganda as a strategic gateway for Gulf investments into East Africa, while offering the UAE access to new markets and resources. The collaboration is expected to foster technology transfer, innovation, and job creation.
However, analysts caution that Uganda must strengthen governance, transparency, and local participation to ensure that the anticipated investments deliver inclusive and sustainable development.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Kalibala urged both sides to continue fostering trust, innovation, and partnership:
“This forum is not just about investment—it is about building lasting relationships, sharing innovation, and creating prosperity for our people on both sides,” he said.