Uganda-Kenya Trade and Investment Mission Launched In Kampala

Uganda and Kenya have launched a high-level Trade and Investment Mission aimed at unlocking the full potential of intra-regional trade and deepening economic ties between the two neighbouring states.

Held under the theme “Promoting Intra-East African Trade and Investment for Economic Development,” the mission was officially opened at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kampala and will run until July 9, 2025.

Spearheaded by Uganda’s Consulate in Mombasa under the leadership of Consul-General Amb. Paul Mukumbya, the four-day mission has attracted a powerful delegation of public sector institutions, top-level diplomats, and business leaders from both Uganda and Kenya.

Ambassador Mukumbya was widely commended for his progressive and business-centric approach to diplomacy. Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Joash Maangi, hailed the new model of engagement, stating:

“This is diplomacy that delivers results — Uganda’s economy is gaining because of the Ambassador’s deliberate engagement with the business community.”

Mukumbya also praised Mr. Samora Marcel, head of the Kenyan private sector delegation, for raising real-time opportunities and bottlenecks in cross-border trade.

He emphasized the importance of building investor confidence through grassroots engagement and called for sustained dialogue between governments and private actors.

Kenyan delegates, impressed by Uganda’s business openness, urged the establishment of a Ugandan government liaison office to improve trade facilitation and information flow.

They also encouraged businesses to pursue solutions through official channels rather than protests.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Richard Kabonero — Head of Regional Economic Cooperation — delivered remarks on behalf of Permanent Secretary Mr. Vincent Bagiire.

He extended gratitude to Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, for his support and participation in the mission.

“This mission is not just an event — it is a deliberate investment in Uganda’s future,” Kabonero said. “We are determined to position Uganda as a reliable, peaceful, and predictable trade partner in the region.”

Gen. Mbadi, delivering the keynote address, challenged the East African Community (EAC) to urgently confront the region’s low levels of internal trade — just 16%, compared to the EU’s 67%. He urged both governments and businesses to dismantle barriers to commerce and seize available opportunities.

“Peace is the foundation of commerce, investment, and growth,” he said. “The future of East Africa must be made in East Africa, for East Africans.”

The day featured presentations from key Ugandan institutions, including:

• Ministry of Works and Transport (on logistics infrastructure)

• Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)

• Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB)

• Uganda Free Zones Authority (UFZA)

• Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)

• Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)

• Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)

All emphasized Uganda’s ongoing regulatory reforms, digitization of business processes, and improved investment climate, while calling for deeper collaboration with Kenyan counterparts.

The forum also featured Business-to-Business (B2B) and Government-to-Government (G2G) engagements in sectors such as agro-industry, services, real estate, and manufacturing.

A lively Q&A session allowed Kenyan investors to express their appreciation for Uganda’s openness and offer feedback on trade and policy facilitation.

The mission will continue with site visits to the Entebbe Free Zone and Export Promotion Authority, a tour of the cargo section at Entebbe International Airport, and a Kampala city excursion to showcase Uganda’s vibrant commercial and cultural life.

This joint mission highlights the rising influence of economic diplomacy in East Africa and the indispensable role of public-private partnerships in driving regional integration and sustainable growth.