Prime Highlights-

• The forum runs October 26 to 29 across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, spanning agriculture, mining, energy and logistics.
• Trade between Uganda and the UAE grows from around $600 million in 2018 to a reported $4.7 billion in 2025.

Key Facts-

• Uganda and the UAE host their fifth Business Forum, working to turn trade growth into lasting investment and industrial development.
• Uganda’s economic momentum builds its case as a competitive investment destination for Gulf investors.

Background-

Uganda and the United Arab Emirates will deepen economic ties as the fifth UAE-Uganda Business Forum takes place across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah from October 26 to 29, bringing together government officials, investors and business leaders across sectors including agriculture, mining, tourism, energy, logistics and technology.

Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake Wanume Kibedi, said the forum aims to move beyond dialogue and generate concrete business transactions, investment commitments and market access opportunities. He said the event will help promote Uganda as a competitive investment destination and connect Ugandan producers and exporters to the dynamic UAE and wider Gulf markets.

Uganda’s economy remains on a strong growth path. The World Bank’s latest Uganda Economic Update reported real GDP growth of 6.6 percent in the second half of 2025, up from 6.0 percent in 2024, and forecasts growth of 6.8 percent in 2026, with further gains expected as oil production ramps up from 2027.

Bilateral trade between Uganda and the UAE has grown sharply since the late 2010s, rising from around $600 million in 2018 to a reported $4.7 billion in 2025, according to Ugandan authorities.The UAE’s capital and reach, alongside Uganda’s resources and East Africa foothold, form a combination that strengthens regional trade.