Kampala Gears Up for 4th Uganda–UAE Business Forum as Trade Hits $2.85 Billion

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

At a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake W. Kibedi, described the three-day event as “momentous,” emphasizing the growing 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 UAE has become Uganda’s leading export destination, while Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the UAE into Uganda has surged from $300 million in 2018 to $3.5 billion in 2024. Improved connectivity, including six daily flights between Entebbe and major UAE cities, has enhanced business travel, tourism, and cargo exchange.

Focus on Strategic Sectors

The Forum will bring together government officials, investors, and business leaders for plenary discussions, exhibitions, and field visits, targeting sectors such as agriculture, tourism, minerals, innovation, infrastructure, real estate, manufacturing, and energy, in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040.

“The platform will showcase innovative products and business models while shaping policy dialogue to create a favorable environment for trade and investment,” Ambassador Kibedi added.

Organized 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 investments and policy coordination.

Strengthening Diplomatic and People-to-People Ties

High-level visits have reinforced Uganda–UAE relations, including President Museveni’s visit to the UAE in January 2025 and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Kampala in May 2025, culminating in six bilateral MoUs on investment protection, digital transformation, energy cooperation, transport, and diplomatic training.

Ambassador Kibedi also highlighted the growing Ugandan diaspora in the UAE, now over 160,000, up from 40,000 in 2018, reflecting stronger people-to-people connections.

With the 4th Uganda–UAE Business Forum on the horizon, Kampala is positioning itself as a key gateway for Gulf investment in Africa, anchored on mutual trust and strategic engagement.