Geneva, Switzerland – Uganda marked an important milestone in its economic diplomacy with the official inauguration of the Swiss-Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCISUG) on 17 November 2025, a Diaspora-led initiative launched during the Market Focus Uganda Forum held in Geneva.

Organised in partnership with the Union of African Chambers of Commerce in Switzerland (UCCAS) and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG), the event brought together Ugandan and Swiss stakeholders to explore new pathways for trade, investment, and strategic collaboration. The Forum aimed to showcase Uganda’s economic potential, promote partnerships across priority sectors, and advance the country’s investment agenda in Agriculture, Tourism, Mining/Energy, and Science & Technology (ATMS).

Amb. Marcel Robert Tibaleka, Uganda’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, emphasised the strategic relevance of the initiative, describing the Chamber’s launch as a timely platform to deepen Uganda-Switzerland economic relations. He highlighted Uganda’s Vision 2040 transformation agenda and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to value addition, industrialisation, and the development of strong public-public and public-private partnerships to mobilise capital, technology, and skills.

He encouraged Swiss companies, financial institutions, and technology innovators to pursue opportunities in emerging sectors, including oil and gas and the creative industry, assuring the audience of Uganda’s readiness to facilitate sustainable and mutually beneficial investments.

A detailed presentation by Ms. Rita N. Mugula, Deputy Director for Investment Promotion at the Uganda Investment Authority, outlined Uganda’s favourable investment climate, available incentives, and priority sectors. Mission staffer Mr. Milwen Owaro further highlighted tourism investment opportunities, promoting Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa,” rich with diverse attractions from primates and mountain gorillas to cultural heritage and unique landscapes.

Swiss SMEs and partners, including Brooks Commodities, Pinaleaf, and Ennos AG linked with Uganda’s Innovex in developing solar-powered irrigation systems expressed strong interest in expanding business ties.

The successful launch of the Swiss-Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCISUG) marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and positioning Uganda as a competitive investment destination in Europe.