Across The Borders

Uganda Steps Up Economic Diplomacy in UAE to Secure Development Financing , Boost Trade and Investment

Winnie Akidi Adile

ABU DHABI, UAE

Uganda has intensified its economic diplomacy efforts in the United Arab Emirates, with Ambassador Zaake Wanume Kibedi holding a series of high-level engagements aimed at mobilizing development financing, expanding export opportunities and attracting investment ahead of the Uganda-UAE Business Forum scheduled for October 2026.

Ambassador Kibedi met with the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, to discuss opportunities for financing strategic development projects in Uganda. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Uganda and the UAE through increased investment in priority sectors that support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and sustainable development agenda. Both sides explored avenues for expanding development financing to accelerate the implementation of key national projects.

In a separate engagement, Ambassador Kibedi met with Mr. Saifee, Chief Executive Officer of Lulu Retail, to discuss strategies for increasing Uganda’s exports to the UAE and the wider Middle East market. The discussions centered on addressing supply and quality constraints that affect the competitiveness of Ugandan products while exploring practical measures to strengthen market access for the country’s agricultural and manufactured exports.

A key outcome of the meeting was a proposal to jointly undertake a market study to better understand consumer preferences, market dynamics and emerging trends in the UAE and the broader Middle East. The findings are expected to guide Ugandan exporters in improving product quality, competitiveness and market positioning.

The Ambassador also held talks with H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), where the two leaders explored opportunities to deepen bilateral trade, investment and broader economic cooperation between Uganda and the UAE. During the meeting, Ambassador Kibedi presented the preliminary program for the Uganda-UAE Business Forum, which is scheduled to take place in October 2026. The forum is expected to bring together senior government officials, leading business executives and representatives of major Ugandan companies to identify new investment opportunities and forge strategic business partnerships.

The engagements underscore Uganda’s continued commitment to leveraging economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment, mobilize development financing and expand international markets for Ugandan products. They also reflect the growing economic partnership between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates as both countries seek to strengthen trade, investment and private sector collaboration for mutual economic growth.