Dubai companies seek out deals in Uganda

Alamy/Adam Ján Figel via Reuters

• 29 Dubai companies involved
• Trade mission to Kampala
• Backed by Dubai Chambers

Representatives from 29 Dubai-based private sector companies have been in Uganda on a trade mission to seek investment deals across a range of sectors. 

Dubai International Chamber arranged more than 300 business meetings in Kampala between companies from both cities during the first leg of its visit to Uganda and Tanzania.

Companies from sectors ranging from construction and engineering to healthcare and information technology were part of the trip last week.

As part of the mission the chamber hosted a forum about doing business with Uganda, during which it signed an agreement with the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to collaborate on future trade missions, conferences and business events. 

Dubai Chamber said 148 Ugandan businesses were registered as active members of its organisation, 60 of which joined this year.

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Non-oil trade between Dubai and Uganda reached AED4.4 billion ($1.1 billion) in 2023, according to Dubai Customs data. 

Dubai International Chamber said it has identified several promising export sectors to Uganda, including diagnostic and laboratory devices, electricity meters, ceramic tiles, cooking oils and animal feed. 

It said the investment opportunities in Uganda include tourism, agriculture, mining, information and communications technology, electronics and infrastructure projects including roads, railways, and water supply systems.

Mohammad Lootah, CEO of Dubai Chambers, said his office is committed to improving Dubai’s trade and investment partnerships with countries worldwide: “Supporting companies from Dubai to grow and expand globally across diverse sectors remains a priority,” he said.