Kampala, Uganda | Uganda is set to host the Fourth Uganda–UAE Business Forum in Kampala from October 27 to 29, 2025, in a strategic move to deepen trade, investment, and innovation links with one of the country’s fastest-growing economic partners in the Gulf region.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Zaake W. Kibedi, announced the upcoming forum during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, describing the event as “momentous” for the country’s economic diplomacy agenda.
“This forum provides a vital platform for strengthening partnerships and exploring opportunities across sectors,” Amb. Kibedi said, noting that the event is organized by the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Uganda Consulate General in Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Kampala, Abu Dhabi Department for Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber, Dubai Chambers, and Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bilateral trade between Uganda and the UAE has surged to record levels in recent years. Foreign direct investment from the UAE to Uganda grew from US $300 million in 2018 to US $3.5 billion in 2024, while trade between the two countries reached US $2.85 billion as of September 2025. The six daily commercial flights connecting Entebbe and the UAE have further strengthened business linkages.
The three-day forum will bring together policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in commercial agriculture, agro-industrialization, tourism, energy, minerals, real estate, innovation, and manufacturing. The program includes field visits, plenary sessions, high-level panels, as well as business-to-business, business-to-government, and government-to-government engagements.
Ambassador Kibedi highlighted high-level diplomatic visits as key drivers of the partnership. In January 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni visited the UAE, followed by a visit from UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Uganda in May. These engagements led to the signing of six memoranda of understanding across investment protection, works and transport, diplomatic training, digital transformation, energy, and joint development projects.
The social dimension of the partnership has also strengthened, with the Ugandan community in the UAE growing from 40,000 in 2018 to over 160,000 in 2024, thanks to the hospitality and support of the UAE.
Amb. Kibedi concluded by reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to fostering stronger economic and strategic ties with the UAE. “The Uganda–UAE relationship exemplifies a robust and evolving partnership characterised by mutual respect, strategic investments, and collaborative efforts across various sectors,” he said. “Asante Sana! Mwebale nyo!”