Uganda to Host 4th Uganda–UAE Business Forum Amid Record-Breaking Trade

Uganda will host the Fourth Uganda–UAE Business Forum from October 27–29, 2025, in Kampala, as bilateral trade between the two countries hits a record $2.85 billion, up from $2.4 billion last year.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday, Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake W. Kibedi, described the three-day event as “momentous,” highlighting the deepening partnership between Kampala and Abu Dhabi in trade, investment, and diplomacy.

“The Uganda–UAE relationship exemplifies a robust and evolving partnership characterized by mutual respect, strategic investments, and collaboration across multiple sectors,” Kibedi said.

The Ambassador noted that the UAE is now Uganda’s leading export destination. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the UAE into Uganda has grown dramatically, rising from $300 million in 2018 to $3.5 billion in 2024, driven by increased investor confidence and strengthened bilateral ties. Six daily flights between Entebbe and major UAE cities have further enhanced connectivity, facilitating business travel, tourism, and cargo exchange.

Spotlight on Strategic Sectors

The Forum will bring together government officials, investors, and business leaders from both nations for plenary discussions, business exhibitions, and field visits. Key sectors on the agenda include agriculture, tourism, minerals, innovation, infrastructure, real estate, manufacturing, and energy, aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 development priorities.

“The platform will showcase innovative products, services, and business models while influencing policy dialogue to create an enabling environment for trade and investment,” Ambassador Kibedi added.

Organized jointly by the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Uganda Consulate General in Dubai, and UAE economic bodies including the Abu Dhabi Department for Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber, and Dubai Chambers, the event will feature B2B, B2G, and G2G sessions to facilitate practical investment deals and policy coordination.

Strengthened Diplomatic and People-to-People Ties

High-level exchanges have reinforced Uganda–UAE relations, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni visiting the UAE in January 2025, followed by a visit from Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in May 2025. These engagements resulted in six bilateral MoUs covering investment protection, digital transformation, energy cooperation, works and transport, and diplomatic training.

Ambassador Kibedi also highlighted the growing Ugandan community in the UAE, now over 160,000, up from 40,000 in 2018, reflecting deepening people-to-people links.

With the 4th Uganda–UAE Business Forum approaching, Kampala is positioning itself as a premier destination for Gulf investment in Africa, building on a foundation of mutual trust and strategic engagement.