By  Eric Kikomeko – Updated at 1228 EAT on Thursday 27th November 2025

Uganda has officially opened the International Buyers’ Week, held under the theme “Meet, Connect, Trade,” bringing together business delegations from Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States to explore new trade and investment opportunities.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was represented by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who delivered the keynote address on his behalf. She underscored Uganda’s strategic advantage as a gateway to the East and Central African markets, backed by a young and dynamic workforce, sustained political stability, major infrastructure improvements and year-round agricultural productivity.

The Vice President said Uganda is now focused on turning interest into orders, and orders into lasting partnerships that generate jobs, expand exports and create wealth for Ugandan households.

She highlighted the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s long-term wealth creation agenda, noting that the number of subsistence households has fallen from 90% in 1986 to 33% today—an achievement that has moved millions of Ugandans into the money economy and boosted domestic purchasing power.

President Museveni’s broader development vision aims to grow Uganda’s economy from USD 61 billion to USD 500 billion, driven by private-sector-led growth, stability, and a strong export base. In the first half of 2025 alone, Uganda earned USD 5.23 billion from exports, with coffee, gold, dairy products and avocado leading the performance. Milk production has reached 5.4 billion litres, supported by expanding dairy markets in Algeria and Nigeria.

Uganda has also taken a firm stance on ending the export of raw materials, prioritising value addition across key sectors. The government is inviting investors to establish processing plants, cold chain systems, packaging facilities and export-oriented infrastructure to enhance product competitiveness.

A major highlight of the event is the launch of the Entebbe Free Zone Centre of Excellence, which will boost export quality through AI-powered inspections, digital traceability, certification services, training and enhanced compliance with global standards.

Vice President Alupo issued a three-fold call:
– For international buyers to source directly from Ugandan producers;
– For local exporters to consistently meet global quality requirements;
– For investors to partner with Uganda in agro-processing, manufacturing and export-led industries.

She reaffirmed that Uganda remains open for business, committed to building strong global partnerships that create jobs, expand exports and accelerate shared prosperity.