The British Chamber of Commerce Uganda (BCCU) was officially launched in Uganda in a cocktail experience curated by Tanqueray Gin at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Nakasero last evening.
The invite-only launch kicked off with an interactive quiz and a raffle, bringing together reputable business leadership, government officials and community members while they delighted in an array of cocktails featuring both Tanqueray Dry Gin and the zesty Flor de Sevilla variant.
The British Chamber of Commerce aims to promote better trade links between the UK and Uganda to increase trade and investment while providing a range of business support and trade promotion services.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Kate Airey OBE, the British High Commissioner to Uganda said, “There is a need to strengthen our community in order to succeed.”
She added, “Therefore, I am delighted to launch the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda as a platform to strengthen the trade and investment relationship between the UK and Uganda”.
Currently operating in a number of other African countries, the chamber is dedicated to helping UK businesses in Ugandan of all sizes to prosper.
Members of the chamber will have access to exclusive benefits that include connections to government and private sector organisations in the UK and Uganda, invitations to networking events, access to trade delegations supported by the chamber and more.
The Minister of State for Finance, General Duties, Henry Musasizi said the BCCU is an excellent business eco-system that provides a unique opportunity for connecting several businesses and brands in both Uganda and the United Kingdom.
“Our Government, under the steadfast stewardship of H.E.President Museveni has consistently, both in terms of policy direction and action, emphasized the importance of attracting both trade and investment as key drivers for advancing the socio-economic transformation of Uganda.”
He said the government recently adopted an ambitious strategy to grow the economy tenfold by 2040, adding that the United Kingdom as a Development Partner will play a critical role in terms of trade, investment and technical expertise.
Musasizi also said the Presidential Advisory Committee on Investment and Development (PACEID) and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) are focused on removing trade barriers, improving regulatory frameworks, and fostering a transparent and efficient investment climate.
Anne-Marie Martin, the head of the BCCU said this is a significant milestone for Uganda to join a large network, full of resources, best practices and vast investment opportunities
The evening ended with a live band performance by renowned guitarist Myko Ouma and his band, performing some of the most timeless music pieces.