Uganda Seeks Increased UAE Trade in October Forum as Bilateral Trade Hits $4.7B

KAMPALA — Uganda and the United Arab Emirates are set to deepen their economic partnership as the 5th Edition of the UAE–Uganda Business Forum takes place from October 26 to 29, 2026, across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah.

Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Kibedi Zaake Wamala, said the forum will focus on converting the growing bilateral relationship into concrete trade and investment opportunities.

The flagship business gathering will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, financial institutions, chambers of commerce and other stakeholders from Uganda and the UAE.

Ambassador Kibedi said the UAE has emerged as a major destination for Ugandan products, with bilateral trade reaching US$4.7 billion in 2025, up from US$2.7 billion in 2024 and just US$600 million in 2018.

UAE investment in Uganda has also expanded significantly, with foreign direct investment rising from approximately US$300 million in 2018 to US$3.5 billion in 2025.

Ambassador Henry Mayega, Head of International Economic Cooperation at MOFA

“The success of this Forum will ultimately be measured not only by the number of meetings held, but by the contracts signed, investments secured, exports generated, partnerships established and jobs created,” Ambassador Kibedi said.

The four-day forum will target key sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, trade and exports, investment, mining and minerals, tourism, infrastructure, energy, logistics and air cargo, manufacturing, financial services and technology.

The Ambassador said the forum will provide Ugandan enterprises with opportunities to connect directly with UAE-based investors, buyers and strategic partners, while promoting Uganda as a competitive investment and business destination.

He added that Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy in the UAE is increasingly focused on identifying investment opportunities, conducting market intelligence, facilitating business matchmaking and helping Ugandan companies access international markets.

The UAE has also become an important destination for Ugandans, with the Ugandan community in the country estimated at more than 150,000 people in 2025, compared to about 50,000 in 2018.

Ambassador Kibedi urged Ugandan businesses, exporters, investors, financial institutions and government agencies to participate actively in the forum and take advantage of opportunities in the UAE and wider Gulf markets.

The forum, he said, comes at a critical point in Uganda-UAE relations, which have expanded beyond traditional diplomatic engagement into trade, investment, tourism, infrastructure, logistics, agriculture and energy.

“We believe that the 5th Edition of the Business Forum will further elevate these relations from cooperation to greater trade, investment and shared prosperity,” he said.

The Ambassador also called on the media and other stakeholders to help create awareness about the forum and showcase Uganda’s investment, export and business opportunities to UAE investors and partners.