By Caroline.N.
Kampala is hosting the 4th Uganda–UAE Business Forum from October 27 to 29 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, in a bid to strengthen trade, investment, and innovation ties between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates.
The forum, which brings together government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries, aims to translate dialogue into tangible partnerships. According to Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake W. Kibedi, “Hosting this edition in Kampala reflects our shared commitment to move beyond dialogue toward tangible partnerships.” He urged Ugandan businesses and UAE investors to actively engage in the event.
Trade between Uganda and the UAE has grown steadily, reaching approximately US$2.85 billion as of September 2025, making the UAE Uganda’s largest export destination. The forum provides Uganda with greater access to Gulf markets, which serve as gateways to Asia, Europe, and other regions.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UAE has also surged in recent years, increasing from about US$300 million in 2018 to roughly US$3.5 billion in 2024. Key sectors expected to benefit include energy, real estate, tourism, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
Connectivity between the two countries has improved, with six daily flights now linking Uganda and the UAE. Ambassador Kibedi highlighted that these air links facilitate the movement of goods, investors, and tourists, boosting logistics efficiency and strengthening Uganda’s role as a trade hub.
The forum emphasises economic diversification, focusing on developing new industries and adding value to local products. In agriculture, potential partnerships with UAE companies could lead to processing plants and cold-chain systems to improve export quality. Tourism is also expected to benefit, with initiatives aimed at attracting high-end visitors from the Middle East to Uganda’s national parks and resorts.
The energy and mining sectors present further opportunities. UAE investments in renewable energy could help Uganda expand clean power generation, while mining collaborations could ensure sustainable exploitation of minerals. Gulf capital is also expected to support real estate and infrastructure projects, including new housing, transport networks, and industrial parks.
Despite being landlocked, Uganda is strategically positioned as a “land-linked” gateway to regional markets, including the East African Community, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Strengthening ties with the UAE could make Uganda a preferred entry point for investors seeking access to these markets.
Diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two nations have also deepened. Several agreements on investment protection, digital transformation, and transport cooperation have been signed. The number of Ugandans living and working in the UAE has grown from around 40,000 in 2018 to over 160,000 in 2024, reflecting the strong human connection between the countries.
Experts emphasise that Uganda must ensure that investments are sustainable and inclusive. This includes encouraging value addition, protecting local communities, and addressing infrastructure challenges to ensure that foreign investments benefit ordinary citizens.
The Uganda–UAE Business Forum is more than a trade event; it represents a strategic opening into Gulf capital, global supply chains, and regional economic integration. With trade approaching US$3 billion and investment levels rising, Uganda has the opportunity to strengthen its economic transformation through joint ventures, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.