The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Embassy in Abu Dhabi will host the Fourth Edition of the Uganda-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Business Forum from 27th to 29th October 2025 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The Business Summit aims to significantly deepen trade, investment, and innovation between the two nations.
The annual forum, now a signature platform for economic cooperation, has evolved into a key continental hub for dialogue and strategic partnership. Building on the success of previous editions, including those held across various UAE emirates and Kampala, this year’s three-day gathering is expected to reaffirm a shared commitment to sustainable economic growth.
The engagement will convene distinguished government officials, business magnates, investors, and innovators from both countries, including representation from the Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
According to Permament Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vinvent Bagiire ,attendees will participate in a blend of direct business dialogues, panel discussions, and field visits focusing on critical sectors aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040, including: commercialised agriculture and agro-industrialisation, tourism, oil and gas, renewable energy, infrastructure, innovation, and real estate.
He said te forum underscores Uganda’s resolve to create a competitive and enabling environment for foreign investment.
According to Bagiire Uganda Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will deliver the keynote address during the official opening ceremony and highlight Uganda’s ongoing reform agenda and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, will provide an economic outlook, presenting Uganda as a resilient and dynamic economy ripe for foreign capital.
Ambassador Zaake Wanume Kibedi, speaking ahead of the Forum, emphasised the growth in bilateral relations.
“The relationship between the UAE and Uganda has grown steadily over the past seven years. Hosting this edition in Kampala reflects our shared commitment to move beyond dialogue toward tangible partnerships,” Ambassador Kibedi stated, urging Ugandan businesses and UAE investors to register, attend, and convert discussions into long-term ventures.
Mrs. Margaret Kafeero, Head of Public Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the Forum as “a bridge between policy and partnership, where ideas transcend borders and transform into tangible outcomes.” She noted that the event not only strengthens economic ties but also fosters cultural and technological exchange.
The core of the event will feature tailored Government-to-Government, Government-to-Business, and Business-to-Business engagements aimed at market expansion and policy dialogue. Field visits are designed to showcase Uganda’s capacity to host world-class investment ventures across sectors from agribusiness and manufacturing to energy and innovation.
Uganda trade relations with United Arab Emirates
Uganda’s trade relations with the United Arab Emirates are robust and growing with bilaterla trade exceeding $3billion as of 2023 driven largely by exports of gold and imports of refined petroleum. The UAE is a major destination for Ugandan exports and a significant source of foreign direct investment in sectors like renewable energy and tourism. Recent diplomatic and business forums, along with the opening of a Ugandan Business Centre in Dubai, are further strengthening these ties.
