The 5th UAE–Uganda Business Forum set for October to boost economic relations 

Government has announced the forthcoming 5th Edition of the UAE–Uganda Business Forum, scheduled to take place from 26th to 29th October 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.

The Forum aims at promoting Uganda as a competitive investment and business destination and to connect Ugandan producers and exporters to the highly dynamic UAE and wider Gulf markets.

The Forum according Amb Zaake Kibedi is a flagship platform for strengthening the economic and commercial relations between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates. 

He said the Forum will be hosted across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, providing an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s investment and export potential while connecting Ugandan enterprises with UAE-based investors, buyers and strategic partners.

Amb Zaake

He disclosure this during a media briefing at Uganda Media Center in Tuesday 18th August 2026.

“The 5th Edition comes at a particularly important time in our bilateral relations. The UAE has become an increasingly important partner for Uganda in trade, investment, tourism, infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, energy and other sectors. We therefore intend to use the Forum to move beyond dialogue and generate concrete business transactions, investment commitments, partnerships and market-access opportunities” he said 

According to Ambassador Henry Mayiga trade between Uganda and United Arab Emirates has reached US$4.7 billion in 2025 up from US$2.7 billion in 2024 and about US$600 million in 2018.

"UAE become the global leading market destination for Ugandan products since October 2025. The trade between Uganda and UAE was valued at US$ 4.7B in 2025 from $2.7B in 2024 and $600m in 2018" he said 

This year’s edition will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, financial institutions, chambers of commerce and other key stakeholders from both countries.

He added that “key areas of focus will include agriculture and agro-processing, trade and exports, investment, mining and minerals, tourism, infrastructure, energy, logistics and air cargo, manufacturing, financial services and technology”

Foreign direct investment from the UAE to Uganda has increased from $300m in 2018 to $3.5B in 2025.

The UAE has become a second home for over 150,000 Ugandans as of 2025 from about 50,000 in 2018.