Blog

Uganda Convention UK’s vision is to harness the tremendous skills, expertise and knowledgebase of the Ugandan Diaspora with a view to promote socio-economic and infrastructural development back in Uganda. Uganda Convention provide a platform for exchanges of views and networking to Ugandan Diasporas on matters of common interest and concern to them. Also help the Government of Uganda to better understand and appreciate the expectations of Ugandan Diasporas community from the land of their ancestors and more importantly, acknowledge the important role played by them in Uganda’s efforts to acquire its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Remarks by Shahid Sheikh OBE, Global Packaging Consultant, sharing his expertise on value addition and packaging.

At the 11th UK-Ugandan Trade Convention

Session: Untapped Investment Opportunities in Agribusiness sector
Moderated by: Edward Katende, CEO, Uganda Agribusiness Alliance

• What plans does government of Uganda have for Agriculture and Agribusiness in the next five years?
• Which government programmes and initiatives target Agriculture and Agribusiness in Uganda?
• How can the Diaspora benefit from these programmes and initiatives?
• Which sub-sectors along the agriculture value chain have great potential for Uganda and UK investments while boosting global exports from Uganda?

Joined by other panellists:
• Dr. Samuel K. Mugasi, Executive Director – National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS)
• Anthony Kituuka, Executive Director, Equity Bank Uganda LTD
• Paul Ssembeguya, Managing Director – Ssembeguya Estates Uganda Ltd
• Mrs Perez Ochieng, Director & CEO, SACOMA

https://youtu.be/l2E2C1GlUDI

Jakana Heights offers studio, one and two bedroom apartments close to the city but in an idillic setting at the top of Konga Hill. Ready to move into now or as part of of your property portfolio with a proven rental track record.

Jakana Heights is an exclusive gated community of 21 luxury apartments on a spectacular hill top site with uninterrupted views of Lake Victoria. At the top of Konge Hill, it is convenient for the centre of Kampala, for the Speke resort in Munyonyo, and Airport

Contact Reagan on +256 756 647 302.
UK office +44 7754 5540, US office +1 866 910 857

At the 11th UK-Ugandan Trade Convention

Session: Untapped Investment Opportunities in Agribusiness sector
• Moderated by: Edward Katende, CEO, Uganda Agribusiness Alliance

• What plans does government of Uganda have for Agriculture and Agribusiness in the next five years?
• Which government programmes and initiatives target Agriculture and Agribusiness in Uganda?
• How can the Diaspora benefit from these programmes and initiatives?
• Which sub-sectors along the agriculture value chain have great potential for Uganda and UK investments while boosting global exports from Uganda?

Joined by other panellists:
• Dr. Samuel K. Mugasi, Executive Director – National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS)
• Anthony Kituuka, Executive Director, Equity Bank Uganda LTD
• Shahid Sheikh OBE, Global Packaging Consultant
• Paul Ssembeguya, Managing Director – Ssembeguya Estates Uganda Ltd
• Mrs Perez Ochieng, Director & CEO, SACOMA

Government committed to attracting quality Foreign Direct Investments

Despite the challenges occasioned by COVID 19, Government has continued to attract high quality Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the country in all sectors.

This was said by His Excellency Julius Peter Moto, High Commissioner of Uganda in London, during the virtual Uganda UK Investment and Trade convention, held on 11th September 2021, on which over 500 participants attended.

He stressed that even with lockdown effects and other inherent issues like poverty, inadequate infrastructures, and inequitable distribution of utilities, industrial power and financial services, a lot of FDIs have been attracted into Uganda.

“Uganda is endowed with natural resources. I encourage all investors to come to this gifted country,” he appealed.

Moto added that Uganda’s location in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa makes it land linked and gives it an ideal strategic base to become a regional hub of tourism, trade, and investment.

“It is mainly through trade and investment that nations rise to wealth and prosperity,” he affirmed.

Ambassador Moto urged investors to take advantage of a stable political climate and economic growth strategies under the able leadership of President Museveni, who was mandated by Ugandans in the January 2021 elections, to engage in investment activities as the country implements the third National Development Plan (NDP III) towards the attainment of Uganda Vision 2040 statement thus: “A Transformed Ugandan Society from a Peasant to a Modern and Prosperous Country within 30 years” as approved by Cabinet in 2007.

He thanked Willy Mutenza, a Ugandan investor based in the UK for organizing the convention that brings together Ugandans, diasporans and foreigners interested in investing in Uganda.
It was officiated by Prime Minister, Hon. Robinah Nabbanja who highlighted that the event aims at promoting and strengthening investment opportunities between Uganda and UK.
“Uganda is open for business and ready to partner in all sectors. Investors are welcome and assured of a favorable and safe investment environment,” she said.

UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Lord Dolar Popat said United Kingdom wants to continue being a critical partner for Uganda.

“UK is Uganda’s largest donor. In 2020, we donated 100,000 COVID 19 test kits to 27 districts and reached over 500,000 children. To fight against COVID 19, the UK has todate donated 1,725,280 vaccines through the COVAX scheme. The UK will continue to support the COVID response in Uganda and other countries, contributing over 100m doses globally in the coming months, and advocating globally for fairer distribution of vaccines, helping us all to reduce COVID risk” he highlighted.
“The UK anticipates investing over $594 billion in different sectors including agriculture and trade. The UK export finance scheme was increased from £300 million to £1 billion and Mr Moto and I campaigned to make this increase possible. UKEF now is ready to continue to support technology transfer to Uganda” Lord Popat added
He also applauded the Ugandan government for investing in Uganda Airlines. He said this will help boost trade and tourism between the two countries.

Uganda’s trade and investment future is bright
According to the latest United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Uganda is one of the countries attracting the most FDIs in East Africa.

Unfortunately, the COVID 19 pandemic has significantly slowed down its performance.

Moto highlighted that According to UNCTAD’s 2020 World Investment Report, FDI in Uganda decreased by 35% from US$ 1.3 billion in 2019 to US$ 823 million in 2018. Also, engineering works on the Lake Albert oil project slowed down due to COVID 19.
The approval of the US$ 3.5bn East African crude oil pipeline project, which will lead to the construction of a 1,400km pipeline from Uganda to Tanga seaport in Tanzania, bodes well for investment in both countries.
FDI rose from US$1055 million in 2018 to US$1266 million in 2019, representing 20% increase, as per UNCTAD report 2020. FDI stock rose from US$ 13,051 million to US$14,317 million representing 9.7% during the same period, with the resultant rise in greenfield investments that rose in number from 17 to 29 in the same period and associate value of greenfield investment also rose from US$366 million in 2018 to US$960 million in 2019 representing a whopping 162%.

Full article at https://www.ugandanconventionuk.org/
BY RITAH MUKASA

Judy Rugasira Kyanda, Managing Director, KnightFrank-UG, master of the real estate market in Uganda giving an insight of the market at the 11th UK-Ugandan Investment Summit. An overview and outlook of the real estate industry in Uganda- (office, retail, residential, hotel, healthcare and agricultural real estate)

Remarks by Dr. Nandawula Mutema, Executive Director & Physician at Clinic at The Mall. Sharing challenges and opportunities in the healthcare sector as a Diaspora investor, relocated from USA in 2013.

Joined by other Panellists:
• Ms Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General – Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation
• Dr. Mark Muyingo, MD – Neogenesis fertility centre

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that every sector is dependent on the health system. This is an opportunity for Uganda to prioritize public financing for health and invest in innovations that accelerate health equity.
• How can Information technology be used as an enabler to improve on improved health care delivery? (Ms Bernadette Lewis)
• Healthcare systems in Uganda still require much investment beyond the typical hospital and clinic. Where can investors and Ugandans in the Diaspora spot opportunities?
• What are those investor-friendly legislations that the government should focus on in order to encourage public-private partnerships to bridge existing gaps in health service delivery?
• Technology enabled health care systems is new reality in providing healthcare in a post COVID-19 economy. What areas in the health sector do you think will provide better investment returns in e-Health investments?

———————————————-
About the UK-Uganda Trade Convention

The forum (UCUK) is organised in support with Lord Popat (UK Trade Envoy to Uganda, DRC and Rwanda), the Department for International Trade (Kampala), Uganda Investment Authority and Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK.

The event will focus on sub sector including Topic: Manufacturing and infrastructural development, Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, Real Estate, Digital Technology, Financing Start-Ups, Public-Private Partnerships, Women in Business, Healthcare and Fintech.

Uganda offers British businesses and investors lots of opportunities. With a population of about 38 million people, GDP Growth of 5.8%, coupled with Pivotal Regional Trade partnerships: East African Community (5 member states), Great Lakes (4 member states), COMESA (19 member states) – exporters have access to this critical market of 489 million.

The Convention 2022 will therefore highlight key aspects of the following thematic discussion areas:
• What are the key opportunities available when venturing into this highly lucrative space?
• What strategies, techniques and tools needed to succeed doing business in Uganda
• The role of Ugandan women in sustainable economic development
• Bilateral trade arrangements between UK and Uganda
• The role of Ugandan Asians in UK, Diasporas in the development of Uganda
• Increasing UK’s exports and attracting UK investment into Uganda
• Agribusiness in Uganda; food security and value addition
• Case studies and challenges doing business in Uganda

The focus on these issues will help provide a wider platform for stakeholder participa¬tion and emphasize the critical issues in each area.

The objectives of the conference are:
• To promote and facilitate international trade between Uganda and UK.
• Create a platform for trade, business and investment between Uganda and Europe (UK) and promote and facilitate access to trade opportunities in Uganda (East Africa) for Ugandan and European (UK) investors, including one-to-one meetings
• To maintain a dialogue with business organisations who can promote trade opportunities in Uganda, including the Federation of Small Businesses, Chambers of Commerce, the Institute of Directors, the Confederation of British Industry and the City of London.
• Promote Ugandan exports and identify export opportunities, so that the export earnings close the gap with the import demand and promote the transformation of Uganda from a current consuming nation into a producing nation. We will also engage closely with the Ministry of Finance and Investment Authority in Uganda for advice and information.
• Encourage investments in the key sectors, i.e., education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, housing, sports, tourism and many more.
• Seek investment opportunities in public and private organizations within Uganda, the United Kingdom and Europe and inform Ugandans in the Diaspora about such opportunities

We have always taken pride in the fact that UCUK forum brings together experts, business leaders, professionals and representatives from prominent organisations based in Uganda, the UK and beyond.

For any further information please contact:
W: www.ugandanconventionuk.org
E: info@ugandanconventionuk.org

Remarks by Eric Olanya, Country Director at Department for International Trade – Uganda, British High Commission.

Eric Olanya is the Head, Department for International at the British High Commission in Kampala, Uganda responsible for providing support to UK companies interested in doing business in Uganda. He is also the regional infrastructure lead (East Africa) and Oil and Gas lead in Uganda. As section head, he is responsible for UK-Uganda trade development, in particular developing opportunities in the oil and gas sector and leads on strategic partnerships with UK companies in large projects.
Info: https://www.gov.uk/world/uganda
Email: eric.olanya@fco.gov.uk
——————————————

About the UK-Uganda Trade Convention

The forum (UCUK) is organised in support with Lord Popat (UK Trade Envoy to Uganda, DRC and Rwanda), the Department for International Trade (Kampala), Uganda Investment Authority and Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK.

The event will focus on sub sector including Topic: Manufacturing and infrastructural development, Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, Real Estate, Digital Technology, Financing Start-Ups, Public-Private Partnerships, Women in Business, Healthcare and Fintech.

Uganda offers British businesses and investors lots of opportunities. With a population of about 38 million people, GDP Growth of 5.8%, coupled with Pivotal Regional Trade partnerships: East African Community (5 member states), Great Lakes (4 member states), COMESA (19 member states) – exporters have access to this critical market of 489 million.

The Convention 2022 will therefore highlight key aspects of the following thematic discussion areas:
• What are the key opportunities available when venturing into this highly lucrative space?
• What strategies, techniques and tools needed to succeed doing business in Uganda
• The role of Ugandan women in sustainable economic development
• Bilateral trade arrangements between UK and Uganda
• The role of Ugandan Asians in UK, Diasporas in the development of Uganda
• Increasing UK’s exports and attracting UK investment into Uganda
• Agribusiness in Uganda; food security and value addition
• Case studies and challenges doing business in Uganda

The focus on these issues will help provide a wider platform for stakeholder participa¬tion and emphasize the critical issues in each area.

The objectives of the conference are:
• To promote and facilitate international trade between Uganda and UK.
• Create a platform for trade, business and investment between Uganda and Europe (UK) and promote and facilitate access to trade opportunities in Uganda (East Africa) for Ugandan and European (UK) investors, including one-to-one meetings
• To maintain a dialogue with business organisations who can promote trade opportunities in Uganda, including the Federation of Small Businesses, Chambers of Commerce, the Institute of Directors, the Confederation of British Industry and the City of London.
• Promote Ugandan exports and identify export opportunities, so that the export earnings close the gap with the import demand and promote the transformation of Uganda from a current consuming nation into a producing nation. We will also engage closely with the Ministry of Finance and Investment Authority in Uganda for advice and information.
• Encourage investments in the key sectors, i.e., education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, housing, sports, tourism and many more.
• Seek investment opportunities in public and private organizations within Uganda, the United Kingdom and Europe and inform Ugandans in the Diaspora about such opportunities

We have always taken pride in the fact that UCUK forum brings together experts, business leaders, professionals and representatives from prominent organisations based in Uganda, the UK and beyond.

For any further information please contact:
W: www.ugandanconventionuk.org
E: info@ugandanconventionuk.org

Relatedly, Jenifer Musiime Bamuturaki , acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Uganda Airlines reported that they recently celebrated two years and affirmed that the future of the airlines is bright. They currently have four aircrafts and currently operate regional flights. But soon they will be going international to Dubai, London and beyond.
“Our customers will fly from Entebbe to London and fro. We will also carry cargo and exports from both countries,” she explained.

Uganda Airlines is Uganda’s national carrier and operates scheduled air transportation services in Africa and international markets. The Company 100% owned by Government of Uganda. The airline started commercial operations in August 2019 and currently operates a fleet of four (4) regional jets (CRJ900), and two (2) Airbus A330-800neo.

For more information, visit – www.ugandairlines.com
Line Phone: +(256)200 406 4005 | Email: info@ugandairlines.com

—————————————————————————-
About the UK-Uganda Trade Convention

The forum (UCUK) is organised in support with Lord Popat (UK Trade Envoy to Uganda, DRC and Rwanda), the Department for International Trade (Kampala), Uganda Investment Authority and Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK.

The event will focus on sub sector including Topic: Manufacturing and infrastructural development, Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, Real Estate, Digital Technology, Financing Start-Ups, Public-Private Partnerships, Women in Business, Healthcare and Fintech.

Uganda offers British businesses and investors lots of opportunities. With a population of about 38 million people, GDP Growth of 5.8%, coupled with Pivotal Regional Trade partnerships: East African Community (5 member states), Great Lakes (4 member states), COMESA (19 member states) – exporters have access to this critical market of 489 million.

The Convention 2022 will therefore highlight key aspects of the following thematic discussion areas:
• What are the key opportunities available when venturing into this highly lucrative space?
• What strategies, techniques and tools needed to succeed doing business in Uganda
• The role of Ugandan women in sustainable economic development
• Bilateral trade arrangements between UK and Uganda
• The role of Ugandan Asians in UK, Diasporas in the development of Uganda
• Increasing UK’s exports and attracting UK investment into Uganda
• Agribusiness in Uganda; food security and value addition
• Case studies and challenges doing business in Uganda

The focus on these issues will help provide a wider platform for stakeholder participa¬tion and emphasize the critical issues in each area.

The objectives of the conference are:
• To promote and facilitate international trade between Uganda and UK.
• Create a platform for trade, business and investment between Uganda and Europe (UK) and promote and facilitate access to trade opportunities in Uganda (East Africa) for Ugandan and European (UK) investors, including one-to-one meetings
• To maintain a dialogue with business organisations who can promote trade opportunities in Uganda, including the Federation of Small Businesses, Chambers of Commerce, the Institute of Directors, the Confederation of British Industry and the City of London.
• Promote Ugandan exports and identify export opportunities, so that the export earnings close the gap with the import demand and promote the transformation of Uganda from a current consuming nation into a producing nation. We will also engage closely with the Ministry of Finance and Investment Authority in Uganda for advice and information.
• Encourage investments in the key sectors, i.e., education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, housing, sports, tourism and many more.
• Seek investment opportunities in public and private organizations within Uganda, the United Kingdom and Europe and inform Ugandans in the Diaspora about such opportunities

We have always taken pride in the fact that UCUK forum brings together experts, business leaders, professionals and representatives from prominent organisations based in Uganda, the UK and beyond.

For any further information please contact:
W: www.ugandanconventionuk.org
E: info@ugandanconventionuk.org

Lord Dolar Popat was speaking at the 11th UK-Ugandan Trade Investment virtual Convention 2021.

“Lord Popat, UK trade Envoy to Uganda stressed that despite Covid-19 and Brexit, UK has continued to make significant progress and has been able to win £2.379Bn of projects in Uganda, with UK content value of £523m. This shows that the UK is a trusted partner, and the President frames our relationship through the prism of trade and investment opportunities. “

Lord Popat further shared some details of the exciting deals that have arranged.
1. McDermott – Our greatest recent achievement in Uganda has been with the UK firm McDermott who were recently awarded a $1.9bn deal in relation to the Tilenga Oil Project. This represents the largest deal for a UK company in Uganda to date. I have been involved with the deal since 2016, which started with my involvement with Energy Industries Council (EIC). I invited McDermott to join my Oil and Gas delegation to Uganda and I also arranged meetings with His Excellency President Museveni to support the project. Credit goes to our former High Commissioner Peter West and current High Commissioner Kate Airey.
2. Uganda Airlines Direct flight – Uganda Airlines is in the process of applying for a direct flight to the UK. Once finalised this will open up new opportunities for trade including perishable goods and tourism.
3. They are aiming to begin flights to London in November but still need to complete a number of processes before this can take place.
4. UK-EAC EPA – Negotiations for a UK-EAC trade deal continue. Kenya has already acceded to the deal. Uganda has indicated that they would be interested in joining, however elections delayed things, but now a new cabinet has been announced, negotiations will restart soon.
5. Covid-19 Support -The UK helped lead the creation of COVAX, which is expected to provide vaccines for 20% of Uganda’s population; is one of its largest donors (£548m); and continues to advocate for fair access to vaccines globally.

Added further that £594m worth of commercial deals is expected in the next 12 months in a range of sectors including agricultural facilities, urban roads, rail locomotives and transmission lines.”