UAE Investors Eye Uganda’s Agro-Industry in High-Level Investment Mission

A high-level delegation of investors representing 10 private sector companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in Uganda for a week-long strategic investment mission aimed at deepening economic ties, particularly in the agricultural sector. The visit runs from June 26 to July 3, 2025.

The mission is led by H.E. Zaake Kibedi, Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE; Asha Nabbanja, Head of Investments and Technology Transfer at the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi; and Mumbejja Erina Zalwango, Counsellor at the Uganda Consulate General in Dubai. It is spearheaded by the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai as part of their economic diplomacy agenda.

Organised in line with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the visit targets strategic investment in agro-industry, tourism, mining, and science, technology, and innovation (STI). The delegation’s focus is on fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, sourcing agricultural products, understanding export procedures, and identifying Uganda’s top exporters of high-value commodities.

The visit kicked off with a tour of the Namanve National Tree Seed Centre under the National Forestry Authority (NFA), where investors learned about Uganda’s afforestation and sustainable forestry initiatives. They also explored seedling production of native and fruit-bearing species like mango, Warburgia, and Monodora myristica.

At Maganjo Grain Millers, a leading agro-processor, the delegation explored Uganda’s food value chain and local sourcing models. The group also toured NUCAFE (National Union of Coffee Agri-business and Farming Enterprises), where CEO Joseph Nkandu presented Uganda’s coffee export journey, including successful shipments to the UAE through their Abu Dhabi partner, Famunera.

A visit to Masubi Farm’s avocado oil processing facility highlighted Uganda’s growing avocado export industry. Producing 8 tons of oil per day, the factory supports local farmers by distributing seedlings and promoting sustainable agriculture through its Texol Gardening Project.

At Kakira Sugar Limited, one of Uganda’s largest agro-industrial firms, the investors viewed sugar production powered by a self-sustaining 45-megawatt plant. The company also showcased its community impact, including education, healthcare, and social welfare programmes.

That evening, an executive dinner hosted at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja brought together the UAE delegation and Ugandan leaders. The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama welcomed the investors and highlighted Jinja’s vast investment potential.

The following day, the team visited Musubi Farm in Mayuge District, a 2,500-acre flagship for Uganda’s Hass Avocado revolution. Established in 2023, the farm works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote oil production and sustainable avocado farming across the country.

The delegation is also participating in the 31st National Agricultural Exhibition in Jinja, engaging with farmers, agribusinesses, and innovators. The event offers a platform to exchange knowledge and explore cutting-edge agricultural technologies.

The mission will conclude with targeted meetings with key government agencies, including the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and the Uganda Free Zones Authority, to explore policy frameworks and investment incentives.

This investment mission marks a major step in strengthening Uganda-UAE relations, with the potential to boost agro-industrial value addition, exports, and sustainable development.