By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D. (Hon.) & Faith Barbara N Ruhinda- Updated at 2111EAT on Tuesday 27th October 2025

Kampala, Uganda — Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, earlier today officially opened the 4th Uganda–United Arab Emirates (UAE) Business Forum at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

In her keynote address, the Prime Minister welcomed the UAE business community to Uganda and urged them to take advantage of the country’s vast investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

“I am happy that trade between Uganda and the UAE, as well as UAE investments in Uganda, have increased significantly over the last few years,” Nabbanja noted.

She commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uganda Mission in the UAE for organizing the forum, describing it as a strategic platform for promoting Uganda’s investment potential and attracting new investors.

“I encourage the business leaders from the UAE to take some time to explore Uganda’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse tourist attractions,” she added.

During the event, the Prime Minister also launched the Karibu Newsletter for the Uganda Mission in the UAE, symbolizing the mutual respect and collaborative spirit driving Uganda–UAE relations.

Uganda–UAE Economic Collaboration and Innovation

Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Zaake Kibedi, underscored the importance of technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships in addressing shared economic challenges and fostering sustainable growth. He called on policymakers to adopt innovative approaches that drive transformation across key sectors.

Ambassador Kibedi praised the UAE’s hospitality and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to deepening collaboration through science, innovation, and sound policy frameworks. He further urged stronger government–private sector partnerships to enhance trade quality and expand market access.

“Since 2018, Uganda–UAE trade has tripled from USD 6 million, while UAE investments have surged from USD 300 million to USD 3.5 billion — a clear sign of our deepening partnership. The Ugandan diaspora in the UAE has also grown from 100,000 to 160,000, with remittances doubling,” he revealed.

Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation for Economic Transformation

Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Office of the President, emphasized that wealth creation goes beyond production — it is about creating value, jobs, and national prosperity.

She highlighted Uganda’s strategic focus on four key pillars: defining national missions, investing in innovation, building capacity, and fostering partnerships. Through these, Uganda aims to position itself as Africa’s next innovation hub.

“Science, technology, and innovation are central to Uganda’s future prosperity,” Dr. Musenero stressed. “Unlike natural resources, innovation is cultivated through strategic missions, risk-taking, capacity building, and strong partnerships. Uganda is creating opportunities — not waiting for them.”

Uganda: A Destination for Sustainable Investment

Hon. Evelyn Anite, Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, reaffirmed Uganda’s liberalized economy, emphasizing free movement of capital and investor-friendly policies that make Uganda a safe, strategic, and welcoming investment destination.

She highlighted ongoing government efforts to modernize transport infrastructure, including the expansion of meter and standard gauge railways and the revitalization of water transport to enhance regional trade connectivity.

With over 35 mineral varieties, Uganda is transitioning from raw extraction to value addition, promoting refineries, and local manufacturing to drive industrial growth.

“Invest in Uganda. Build the Future,” she concluded.

Editor’s Note:

The Uganda–UAE Business Forum serves as a crucial platform for strengthening bilateral trade, fostering innovation, and promoting Uganda’s position as an emerging hub for sustainable investment and technology-driven growth in Africa.