Strengthening Economic Ties Between Uganda and UAE
The Uganda UAE business partnerships have surpassed $2 billion annually in non-oil trade. This milestone marks a new chapter in the growing relationship between Uganda and the UAE. At the UAE–East Africa Trade and Investment Mission in Kampala, over 120 firms from both countries exchanged ideas and built new connections.
The event, led by the Sharjah Exports Development Center and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, clearly showed that the UAE is eager to invest in Uganda. This strengthens Uganda’s position as a key player in East Africa’s economic future.
Ambitious Growth Plans and the Role of Trade
State Minister for Trade, Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, expressed his optimism, stating, “Non-oil trade between Uganda and UAE has now surpassed $2 billion annually. And this is just the beginning. Our target is to grow this tenfold.”
Already, over 120 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) have been signed between Ugandan and UAE firms. These agreements span multiple sectors, including agribusiness, ICT, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
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Trade and Industrialization: Key Drivers of Growth
Mbadi emphasized that Uganda’s drive for industrialization under the Tenfold Growth Strategy needs foreign investors. He stated, “We are building the infrastructure to support it,” referring to projects like the Entebbe Airport expansion, the Kampala–Jinja Expressway, and the revival of Uganda Railways.
The country aims to turn raw materials into finished products such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, and light manufacturing.
Energy, Innovation, and Financing Opportunities
Rosa Malango, Special Envoy on Tourism and Trade, brought attention to Uganda’s abundant energy resources. “With 6.5 billion barrels of oil reserves, 2,000 megawatts of hydropower, and exceptional solar prospects, Uganda offers over $20 billion in investment opportunities,” she explained.
She pointed to Amea Power, a UAE company investing $20 million in a solar plant in Arua, as an example of growing Gulf investment in Uganda’s clean energy sector.
A Future Built on Partnerships and Growth
The potential for growth in the Uganda UAE business partnerships is vast. Both governments are committed to supporting sustainable and mutually beneficial trade. Malango proposed a Uganda-UAE Business Council under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to help facilitate policy coordination and open new markets to Emirati investors.
Rita Nabateregga, from the Uganda Investment Authority, emphasized Uganda’s strategic location. “Uganda sits at the heart of Africa,” she said. “Invest here, and you gain access to 1.3 billion consumers across EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA.”
Attractive Investment Incentives in Uganda
Uganda offers several incentives to attract foreign investment. These include 10-year tax holidays, zero import duties on machinery, and deductions for research and development (R&D). Such incentives make the country an appealing destination for investors seeking scalable opportunities.
