A high-level business delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has completed a one-day field visit across Uganda’s infrastructure development and innovation sectors, confirming immediate opportunities for investment and technological collaboration.
The visit opened the 4th Uganda–UAE Business Forum, taking place from October 27–29, 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, under the theme “Accelerating Investment Partnerships for Shared Prosperity.”
During the field mission, the delegation reviewed Uganda’s ongoing and planned projects, including a bankable modernisation plan for Port Bell into a strategic, multi-modal Green Port, and six expressway projects in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The UAE team also toured the Uganda Institute of ICT Innovation, where they interacted with over 90 homegrown tech startups and witnessed demonstrations at the Augmented and Virtual Reality (AVR) Centre.
“We have seen firsthand Uganda’s growing capacity in both infrastructure and technology,” said Dr Khalid Al Nuaimi, head of the UAE delegation. “These are sectors where UAE investors are ready to engage — with capital, expertise, and innovation — to drive mutually beneficial development.”
The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral and commercial ties ahead of the main Forum.
“This visit has established a strong foundation for the government-to-business discussions that will take place during the Forum,” noted Second Secretary Asha Nabbanja, who received the delegation on behalf of Ambassador Zaake Wanume Kibedi of Uganda’s Embassy in the UAE.
She added that Uganda remains a “trusted and ready partner” for UAE investors, emphasising that the visit reflects the maturity of Uganda–UAE relations.
The Uganda–UAE Business Forum 2025 is expected to attract top government officials, business executives, investors, and innovators from both countries. Participants will explore opportunities in tourism, energy, oil and gas, mineral development, infrastructure, real estate, agro-industry, and commercial agriculture, all aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040.
“Uganda’s partnership with the UAE has grown remarkably over the years,” said Ambassador Kibedi in a statement. “Our bilateral trade has reached USD 2.85 billion as of September 2025, while UAE investments in Uganda have surged from USD 300 million in 2018 to USD 3.5 billion in 2024. This forum is about consolidating that progress and creating new pathways for collaboration.”
The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbnja will deliver the keynote address at the Forum’s opening ceremony, highlighting Uganda’s economic reform agenda and commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations.
The Uganda–UAE Business Forum remains a strategic platform for fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and unlocking investment opportunities, thereby supporting Uganda’s transformation into a competitive regional trade hub.
