Uganda, UAE Strengthen Trade Ties with Focus on Market Access and Commercial Diplomacy
Kampala, Uganda – April 16, 2025. Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a significant step toward strengthening their economic partnership, with key stakeholders from both countries meeting at the Business Facilitation Center in Kololo to explore ways to ease trade and boost bilateral cooperation.
The UAE remains Uganda’s largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries valued at over $3.8 billion in 2023. Despite this impressive figure, Ugandan businesses continue to face challenges in accessing the UAE market, prompting renewed calls for enhanced trade facilitation.
The meeting has brought together business leaders, government officials, and trade experts to discuss strategies aimed at unlocking new opportunities and addressing the barriers hindering Uganda’s export potential.
Habib Migadde, CEO of the Uganda Business Center in Dubai, emphasized the need to enhance commercial diplomacy between the two nations. “There are still several technical and non-technical barriers limiting Uganda’s trade with the UAE. If we address these, we can attract more investors and significantly contribute to economic growth,” Migadde said.
He called for a collaborative approach to overcome regulatory, logistical, and awareness challenges that continue to affect Uganda’s competitiveness in the Gulf region.
Representing the UAE delegation, Atik Nassib pointed out that one of the critical issues facing Ugandan entrepreneurs is the lack of exposure and awareness of opportunities available in the UAE market.
“Many entrepreneurs in Uganda are unaware of the frameworks and channels that can help them access the UAE market. There’s a need for more targeted education, exposure, and support to guide businesses through the process,” Nassib explained. He also noted that Uganda’s current trade policies need restructuring to become more investor-friendly and aligned with international standards.
On the domestic front, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is working to streamline business operations. Dennis Nabende, Head of Communications at URSB, highlighted improvements in the business registration process, noting that simplified procedures are already yielding positive results.
“We have digitized many of our services, making it easier for businesses to register and operate efficiently. Ugandan traders should embrace technology, which will allow them to engage with UAE markets remotely while remaining in Uganda,” Nabende advised.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to continue discussions and establish mechanisms for regular engagement between Uganda and the UAE private sectors, with the aim of turning opportunities into actionable trade and investment partnerships.
As Uganda seeks to grow its exports and deepen economic ties with the Middle East, such engagements offer a pathway to not only boost bilateral trade but also position the country as a competitive player in global commerce.