The Uganda–Kenya Trade and Investment Mission officially kicked off on July 6, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kampala. Spearheaded by the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa under the leadership of Consul-General Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, the four-day engagement—running until July 9—has brought together a high-level delegation of diplomats, government officials, and private sector leaders from both Uganda and Kenya.
Amb. Paul Mukumbya was widely applauded for his results-oriented, business-focused diplomatic approach that places trade and economic development at the core of Uganda’s foreign policy. Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Joash Maangi, praised this direction, saying:
“This is diplomacy that delivers results. Uganda’s economy is benefiting because of the Ambassador’s deliberate engagement with the business community.”
Amb. Mukumbya also commended the head of the Kenyan private sector delegation, Mr. Samora Marcel, for constructively highlighting both opportunities and practical barriers in cross-border trade. He underscored the Consulate’s continued commitment to ground-level engagement, which he said fosters investor confidence and a conducive business environment.
Impressed by Uganda’s business openness, several Kenyan delegates called for the establishment of a Government of Uganda liaison office to ease trade facilitation and communication. They also encouraged addressing trade-related concerns through formal government channels rather than public protests.
Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vincent Bagiire. He extended appreciation to Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, for supporting the mission and reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to economic diplomacy and deeper regional integration.
“This mission is not just a one-off event — it is a strategic investment in Uganda’s economic future. We are committed to positioning Uganda as a dependable, peaceful, and predictable trade partner,” said Amb. Kabonero.
Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, delivering the keynote address, spoke on the forum’s theme, “Promoting Intra-East African Trade and Investment for Economic Development.” He called for urgent action to address the East African Community’s (EAC) low intra-regional trade levels, currently at 16% compared to 67% within the European Union.
“We must dismantle the barriers that hinder trade within the region,” he emphasised. “Peace is the foundation of commerce, investment, and growth. The future of East Africa must be made in East Africa, for East Africans.”
The opening day featured comprehensive presentations from key Ugandan institutions, including: the Ministry of Works and Transport (focusing on freight and logistics), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) and Uganda Free Zones Authority (UFZA).
These bodies highlighted Uganda’s improving investment climate, digitisation of government processes, and ongoing regulatory reforms. They also stressed the importance of increased collaboration with their Kenyan counterparts.
The event facilitated robust Business-to-Business (B2B) and Government-to-Government (G2G) interactions across priority sectors including: Agro-industry, Services, Manufacturing and Real Estate.
A lively Q&A session allowed Kenyan investors to offer feedback and commend Uganda’s openness to regional collaboration.
The trade mission continues with a courtesy visit to the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority, a guided tour of the Entebbe Free Zone, and an inspection of the cargo terminal at Entebbe International Airport. Delegates will also take part in a Kampala city tour to experience Uganda’s vibrant commercial and cultural landscape.
This mission reflects the maturing Uganda–Kenya partnership, the strategic value of economic diplomacy, and the transformative potential of strong public-private cooperation in shaping the future of East African trade.
