Kampala, Uganda – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, called for the immediate implementation of resolutions from the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition held on 9–10 September 2026 at Mestil Hotel, urging government and the private sector to turn business engagements into concrete trade, investment and partnership opportunities.
Closing the forum, Hon. Kasolo said its success should be measured by tangible economic outcomes rather than speeches or the number of participants. “Talking is good, but after talking, do you have something in your pocket?” he asked, urging businesses to follow up on contacts, develop proposals and pursue partnerships. He also encouraged Ugandan enterprises to leverage AfCFTA markets, improve production and value addition, and work closely with diplomatic missions to promote their products abroad.
Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, called for Uganda and Nigeria to translate their longstanding diplomatic and Pan-African ties into practical economic partnerships. He highlighted opportunities in agro-processing, technology, services and value-added sectors, while stressing the need to address non-tariff barriers, improve connectivity and strengthen direct air links between the two countries.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation and Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, described the forum as an important step towards practical economic cooperation. He identified agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, technology, tourism and logistics as priority areas and called for the Uganda–Nigeria Joint Permanent Commission to be convened before the end of the year to address trade and investment barriers.
Amb. Philip Odida, Chargé d’Affaires of the Uganda High Commission in Abuja, emphasised the shared commitment to deepening Uganda–Nigeria relations through increased trade, investment and stronger value chains, urging participants to transform identified opportunities into business partnerships.
Amb. Misitura Abdulraheem, Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala, described the forum as a platform for identifying opportunities for deeper cooperation and strengthening relations while creating greater opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
Representing the Nigerian Government, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, DRM, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and said outstanding Memoranda of Understanding and agreements would be concluded before the next JPC.
As part of the engagement, the Nigerian delegation visited Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) in Luzira, where they toured pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality-control facilities and explored opportunities for QCIL products to access the Nigerian market. The visit highlighted Science, Technology and Innovation as a driver of Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, while Dr. Kana planted a tree symbolising stronger cooperation in health, manufacturing, trade and investment. The forum concluded with a shared call to move from dialogue to implementation, from identified opportunities to partnerships, and from commitments to measurable economic outcomes.
Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Amb. Richard Kabonero, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi and other dignitaries tour the exhibition stalls
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, DRM, delivers his remarks.
Amb. Philip Odida (L) and Amb. Richard Kabonero (R) deliver remarks at the forum.
Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo poses for a photo with other dignitaries (L) and while delivering his remarks
