The Uganda–UAE Business Forum 2025, held from October 27–29 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, marked a milestone in advancing trade, innovation, and investment partnerships between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates. The forum commenced with a high-level UAE delegation field visit to Uganda’s Infrastructure, Innovation and Technology sectors, highlighting major investment opportunities, including the modernization of Port Bell into a “Green Port”, the development of six expressway projects, and engagement with over 90 start-ups at Uganda’s ICT Innovation Hub and Augmented Virtual Reality Center.
Speakers including H.E. Ambassador Henry Mayiga, H.E. Ambassador Zaake Kibedi, and UIA’s Peter Muramira underscored Uganda’s strategic advantages: a youthful, English-speaking workforce, a liberalised economy, and a stable, investor-friendly environment. Hon. Evelyn Anite, State Minister for Investment and Privatisation, invited UAE investors to explore Uganda’s growing sectors, particularly infrastructure, water transport, and value addition in natural resources, while Dr. Monica Musenero Musanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasised Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as central to achieving Uganda’s Vision 2040.
During the official opening, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding covering Investment, ICT, Transport, and Capacity Building, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to stability, transparency, and industrial growth. Bilateral trade between Uganda and the UAE now exceeds USD 2.85 billion.
Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, highlighted Uganda’s robust economic fundamentals, including a 6.3% GDP growth forecast, low inflation, and currency stability, which position the nation among Africa’s top emerging investment destinations.
Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with the UAE, describing the partnership as “a model for sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.” He noted that UAE investments in Uganda exceed USD 3.5 billion across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, real estate, and manufacturing.
Hon. Kasaija emphasised Uganda’s target of a USD 500 billion economy by 2040, driven by modernisation, diversification, and innovation, and encouraged UAE investors to explore opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, ICT, tourism, logistics, and financial services, leveraging Uganda’s access to EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA markets.
As the forum concluded, the Finance Minister urged all stakeholders to translate dialogue into action, by building partnerships that create jobs, expand trade, and drive shared prosperity. Uganda and the UAE are forging a partnership built on trust, opportunity, and a shared vision for a prosperous future.
