Having welcomed his Excellency, the Honourable Ministers, and all the distinguished guests, the Prime minister of the UK trade envoy to Uganda Lord Popat expressed his gratitude to once again be addressing the UK-Uganda convention. Drawing from his remarks he said “For nearly a decade, this event has gone from strength to strength, fostering stronger relations between our two nations”.

This year we were joined by the Vice President of Uganda, His Excellency Edward Sekandi, who he has had the honour of working with on a number of occasions. He noted his presence as a sign of how important this convention is to all Ugandans and their counter parts in the Uk.

He welcomed all the business leaders, CEOs, civil servants and in mention, the Vice President of the London Chamber of Commerce Subhash Thakkar. “Thank you all for coming and for helping to build a new generation of ties between the UK and Uganda’’.

He talked about the unique advantage point when it comes to UK-Uganda relations. His Excellency, UK and Uganda may be geographically separated by many thousands of miles, but they are brought together by their shared history, synergy and membership of the Commonwealth. His colleague in the House of Lords, Lord Howell, always said that America are our allies, Europe our neighbours, and the Commonwealth our family.

Lord Popat was born in Uganda before coming to Britain as a seventeen-year-old. Life has now brought him to full circle, having been a Minister for both Business and Transport and now serving as the Prime Minister of Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda. This has allowed him share the many skills he has learnt both in business and politics, with love for Uganda. This was expressed in his words

‘’you can take the boy out of Uganda but you can’t take Uganda out of the boy”.

But, to his eternal regret, Britain has spent several decades focusing on its neighbours and neglecting their Commonwealth family. Our membership of the European Union brought with it many benefits, but there were also costs, to closer relations with certain nations and one of them was Uganda in particular.

Last year he hosted lunch for President Museveni in the House of Lords, so that he could meet and speak with British businesses interested in investing in Uganda. He was asked about the presence of so many Chinese-backed projects in Uganda, and he gave the sort of withering answer that only the best politicians can do.

He told us that he loves Britain. That there is huge demand for British goods and services in Uganda, and a great affection for the UK. But then he followed up with ‘but we never see you there’. He went on to say that “when I need hospitals and roads built, and the Chinese are there to build them, who else can I turn to? I don’t speak Chinese, I speak English, but my people need new roads and hospitals”

That is the challenge that faces all of us in this room. He took the President’s words to heart, and they give him all the motivation he needs when he’s undertaking his Trade Envoy duties. He is right; Britain needs to be more outward-looking, more conscientious of our relationships with our Commonwealth family, and better-attuned to the amazing economic advancements across Africa.

Your Excellency the Vice President, not long ago our trade with Africa was 30%. It is now less than 4%. We need a fresh approach to Africa, particularly those countries that are part of the Commonwealth that builds on the deep and historical links we have with the continent and the affection many Africans have for Britain.

He stated, our Prime Minister is holding the UK-Africa Investment Summit here in London on 20^th January, where we have invited all African Heads of States. This summit will bring together UK and African Governments, alongside major international investors, to grow awareness of investment opportunities on the continent. President Museveni has verbally confirmed that he will be attending with the focus being on Agri-tech, fin-tech, manufacturing and financial services. On financial services we are number one in the world. Many years ago we had a branch of Uganda in the UK –he would like to see them come back and have a branch in London.

He emphasized that Britain will soon be leaving the European Union and be an independent country once again. This is the opportunity we need to reset so many crucial diplomatic and trade relationships around the world to once again become an outward-looking nation. And his great hope is that Brexit will be the start of a golden age of relations between Africa and the UK, in particular Uganda.

Once again Africa is on their radar and the great news was that they are already seeing many new facets to that relationship. As we speak, in Kabaale, the Hoima International Airport is being constructed by Colas, a UK company. The first stage is expected to be completed in 2021, ready to serve Uganda’s oil, agriculture and tourism industries in the Western Region. The local content will be in excess of 70% and the airport project alone is expected to create more than a 1,000 jobs, all of which will be taken by Ugandans.

Recently the Prime minister led a delegation of Agri-tech companies to Uganda, scoping out opportunities for collaboration and looking for ways in which Uganda can export more and add value to their exports. He was delighted to say, as a follow up to that visit, President Museveni took his advice and arranged for a Ugandan delegation to be here in the UK to continue the discussions they started in Uganda. These included Mr. John Musinguzi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Investment and Mr. Steven Muyingo, Senior Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs who have been touring the UK over the last 10 days to source further opportunities in the Agri-Tech sector. His aware they have been to see a number of companies, including Sainsburys, Tescos and Waitrose to explore further export opportunities. The delegation also visited a number of local markets to better understand the process of purchase and importation of fresh products. He was very hopeful that this trip will lead to several opportunities for furthering our trade relationship.

It was his aim to see Ugandan exports rise to the tune of half a billion within 5 years. It is a very ambitious target and therefore we need to address the cargo and connectivity issues to export these goods.

Earlier this year, Uganda purchased two airbus planes, as they look to build better connectivity with their key markets. He has long been critical of the UK’s own aviation failings; in this country our main airports are at capacity and we shamefully allowed British Airways to stop flying 6 days a week to Entebbe. Flights between nations are modern-day bridges, and we are therefore working to repair this broken bridge to support greater collaboration, understanding and trade. He applauded Uganda for taking steps in the right direction and he could only hope that here in Britain we rectify any recent mistakes, to enable us see continuous progress in infrastructure construction, agri-tech and aviation. That’s before we get to some of the other industries where Britain and Uganda can work together, including the energy sector, medicine and pharmaceuticals, and of course, fintech. He very much hoped that the discussions around the day’s events will see further leads in these crucial areas. He encouraged any British businesses that are interested in trading in Uganda to contact him; not only because Uganda is a wonderful country, but also because the UK Government has a number of programmes that help to support British exporters there, including bespoke support from the Department for International Trade and considerable financial help from UK Export Finance, which currently has about £600 million available for exporters to Uganda.

In the past, we have been driven by aid whereas we need to be focusing on trade. He was saddened to see that Uganda was once again dealing with an Ebola outbreak, but was delighted to see that Britain offered to support Uganda in dealing with this challenge.

He concluded by saying we are at the dawn of a new age of UK-Uganda relations and his role as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy over the past four years has seen the level of commitment there is on both sides.

“Our nations are stronger together, working in partnership, focused   on trade, and working towards a prosperous future for all of us’’.

He thanked everyone and hoped they enjoy the rest of the Convention.

[justified_image_grid mobile_preset=16 ids=”27700,27701,27702,27703,27704,27705,27706,27707,27708,27709,27711,27712,27713,27714,27718,27722,27723,27726,27728,27729,27731,27732,27734,27735,27737,27738,27739,27740,27741,27742,27743,27744,27747,27750,27754,27755,27756,27759,27760,27761,27765,27766,27767,27770,27771,27772,27773,27774,27775,27776,27777,27778,27779,27780,27781,27782,27783,27784,27785,27787,27788,27789,27790,27791,27792,27793,27794,27795,27796,27797,27798,27799,27800,27801,27802,27803,27804,27805,27806,27807,27808,27809,27810,27811,27812,27813,27814,27815,27816,27817,27818,27819,27820,27821,27824,27825,27826,27827,27828,27829,27830,27831,27832,27833,27834,27835,27836,27837,27838,27839,27840,27841,27842,27843,27844,27845,27846,27848,27849,27850,27851,27852,27853,27854,27856,27857,27858,27859,27860,27861,27862,27863,27864,27865,27866,27867,27868,27869,27870,27871,27872,27873,27875,27876,27877,27878,27879,27880″]

I was honoured to be part of, and to moderate high profile panel discussions at the 9th Annual Uganda-UK Trade & Investment Convention (“the Convention”), that was held on 13th September 2019 at the prestigious London Hilton Hotel, on Park Lane, in Mayfair and 14th September at the Troxy in East London 2019.

As a person who was part of the Convention at its onset in September 2011 and from personal experience, knowing how tough it is to organise my compatriots, I must commend Mr Willy Mutenza and his team of volunteers, for their personal sacrifices to consistently steer such a powerful initiative for our country. The Convention has continued to develop and evolve, attracting more quality attendees and by default, enhancing Uganda’s reputation as one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations.

For me the Convention provides a platform for the UK based Ugandan Diaspora and investors, from all walks of life and professions, who come together once a year, to among others be updated on the economic opportunities back home; network with likeminded entrepreneurs and professionals; seek new business partners; take advantage of public services by Uganda government, that are brought near them (e.g. application for the National ID, dual citizenship etc); and to discuss ways of enacting meaningful economic change for Uganda.

The Convention inspires and mobilises Ugandan talent in the UK

The Convention has been instrumental in inspiring and mobilising the Ugandan talent that is based in the UK and across Europe to contribute towards the economic development of their mother country. Many have returned home and are making a significant contribution to Uganda’s economic space, challenging attitudes and effecting change, one person and institution at a time. I am one of those Ugandans!

In 1999, I left Uganda for the UK to train my mind, sharpen my skills and extend my knowledge. For over a decade, I worked with London’s financial elite building a reputation as one of the top business recovery professionals of African descent in the UK.

After attending the Convention in its maiden year in 2011, I was impressed by the presentations that were made by Dr Maggie Kigozi, the then Executive Director of Uganda Investment Authority. Notwithstanding the challenges that were highlighted by some Ugandan returnees at the time, I was impressed by the economic opportunities in my home country that awaited any interested professional. I was convinced that my aspirations in life would not necessarily be fulfilled through the great professional positions to which I seemed to be pre-occupied with in the UK. I therefore started on the journey to return to Uganda in order to use my skills, knowledge, UK work ethics, savings and international contacts in the service of revitalizing the economic fortunes of my country and its gallant people.

I faced a couple of obstacles when I announced my desire to return home. The most profound one, was the misunderstanding and criticisms of several of my loved ones who didn’t understand that I could refuse to capitalize on the prestige I had supposedly acquired in Britain.

Back in Uganda, I set up a boutique investment consultancy firm which I named Focus on East Africa to link Ugandan investment opportunities to global investors focusing on agribusiness, real estate, healthcare and hospitality sectors. Reluctance from childhood friends was numerous but I have a tough head in many ideals! I spent a lot of money (both my own savings and credit) and energy to establish Focus on East Africa, as a consultancy firm of choice for anyone who wants to invest in Uganda. Unfortunately, the warnings of my beloved ones were verified every day in the field. Finding honest competent Ugandan staff was a challenge as was maintaining financial stability of my company- working capital management was a tough call.

I discovered a less glorious reality than expected and realised that the reputation of Kampala was far from the daily reality of the businesses that operated in this environment. Vanity, emptiness and rivalry reigned in the corridors of powerful institutions. In some sectors (e.g. real estate), while the need was there, aggregate demand was ineffective due to the nascent capital markets and weak nature of the mortgage industry which made availability of long-term financing a dream for many Ugandans.

The project which was initially thought as arduous (as I was forewarned) was becoming insurmountable. So I ended up painfully giving up on my super ambitious project and in 2013 I closed Focus on East Africa. However, I didn’t lose hope and decided to focus on a small aspect of the bigger project. I looked at my experience with Focus on East Africa as a lab experiment which led me to zero down on one sector that would bring much more impact to our people, , i.e. agriculture  and “agribusiness”.

Agribusiness as my agenda campaign

Agriculture contributes to both on-farm and off-farm employment and generation of incomes, in every part of rural and urban Uganda, as well as exporting sustainably produced Ugandan food and fibre to consumers around the world. As such, Government of Uganda (hereinafter referred to as “Government”) is responsive to the need to transform the agricultural industry, from being merely a means of attaining food and nutrition self-sufficiency, into a powerful engine of economic growth and prosperity.

The primary production segment of the agricultural industry alone employs more than 65% of the working population, accounts for 24.2% of GDP and 48.93% of export earnings and is the major provider of raw materials for agro-processing industries, as well as the backbone of the country’s food and nutritional security.

The role of the agricultural industry as a way of life is now shifting to a catalyst for broad based economic development and inclusive growth. Critically, this is a transformation that not only delivers sustainable economic returns, but is also able to support environmental sustainability, climate resilience, as well as provide food security and adequate nutrition for Uganda. However, the agriculture sector is confronted with the challenges of debilitated institutions, stuck somewhere between tradition and modernity, and lifeless structures. While Uganda has a comparative advantage in agriculture, over any country on the continent, many of the agri-food industry players are not competitive. A number of factors are responsible for this. This led me to focus attention on agribusiness and eventually in July 2014, together with a number of reputable senior citizens, we established the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance (UAA). I was the founding CEO, a position I have held to-date.

Today, UAA is building an alliance of partners (including corporate bodies, financial institutions, government, agri-food associations, development agencies, research organisations, civil society organisations and other institutions that support growth of the agri-food industry in Uganda), that will facilitate long term viable business propositions in the Ugandan agri-food industry.  To this end, UAA:-

1. Gives the agri-food industry players a unified voice on issues that impact their industry as well as the success of their organisations.
2. Supports the country’s agenda for improving the enabling environment that will allow Ugandan agribusinesses of all sizes to thrive and grow.
3. Provides platforms for unparalleled learning, networking and partnerships, enabling agri-food industry players to connect at local, continental and global levels.
4. Supports the development of a wide range of expertise in both the public and private sectors, and across all levels of the agricultural value chain, in order to enhance the productivity, efficiency, profitability and hence viability of agri-food enterprises in Uganda.
5. Facilitates or aggregates evidence-based analysis that supports decisions for building a globally competitive, innovative and inclusive agri-food industry in Uganda.

Conclusion

As a returnee, I have absolute conviction, that a bright future lies ahead for Uganda’s economic prosperity, and that with their wealth of knowledge, skills, attitude and international contacts, the Ugandan Diaspora will make a substantial contribution towards crafting such a future. There is so much to be done, all talents, expertise and skills are needed. Uganda’s development will have to come by the hands of Ugandan entrepreneurs and professionals- engineers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, social workers, change managers, hospitality professionals, ICT experts etc., who are all, fully conscious and accepting of their pivotal role in the country’s advancement will put their skills as well as talents to the common purpose of creating economic prosperity (both for themselves and others) in our motherland.

The convention will continue to unleash many of us into the Ugandan economy. Those who accept the call, will bask under the sun and will emerge as the heroes of their own stories.

[justified_image_grid mobile_preset=16 ids=”28231,28232,28233,28234,28235,28236,28237,28238,28239,28240,28241,28242,28243,28244,28245,28246,28247,28248,28249,28250,28251,28252,28253,28254,28052,27865,27814,27807,27753,27749,27706,27720,27718″]

Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs started by saluting Ugandans, Friends of Uganda, Potential Investors and well-wishers attending the forum and expressed her pleasure at being part of the Uganda-UK Trade & Investment Summit 2019.

Hon Turwomwe said that Uganda has made big strides in an effort to improve the livelihood of all Ugandans and setting pace for the attainment of the cherished goal of a middle-income status through interventions targeted at inclusive growth and social economic transformation. Uganda has made substantial progress towards the middle-income goal demonstrated through the following:

• Uganda’s economy continues to grow at an average of 6% per annum
• Average incomes have increased to USD 825 per person compared to USD 800 in FY 2017/18
• Significant road infrastructure improvements have been made across the country, with an average travel time of 4 hours across the country.
• The labour force has dramatically improved with the proportion of labour force with tertially education increasing from 7.5% in 2013 to 13.6% in FY 2017/18
• The Industry sector is now 21% compared to 13% in FY 1986/87
• Power generation has more than doubled over the past 10 years, the road sector with National grid electricity connections increasing to 1.3 million customers, and rural electrification access rate rising from 1% (2001) to over 13% (2019)
• Many new factories have been established with Ugandans and products in supermarkets have increased to 45%
• The Ugandan Shilling is fairly stable against major currencies
• There is growth in the communication sector, and health sectors among others.

All the above continue to position Uganda as a preferred investment destination and, in particular, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area which accounts for over 70% of the national GDP.

In this short write up, a number of investment opportunities in the GKMA have been highlighted and Hon Turwomwe said that she looked forward to working with investors and providing more information on any area of interest.

Uganda enjoys a unique location along the equator, in the heart of the Sub-Saharan Africa within the East African Region.

Uganda has been continuously ranked as the most entrepreneurial country in the world with its people ranking among the most welcoming in the world.

Uganda’s land-linked location has positioned it strategically for regional trade and investment with its economy offering high returns on investment thus making Uganda anyone’s preferred investment destination.

Access one of the World’s fastest growing regions

Uganda has achieved GDP growth of 6.3% on average per annum for the last 30 years. Uganda’s population is estimated to be 40 Million in 2019 and expected to increase to 45 Million by 2023. Whereas the purchasing power is still low, this is continuing to change given the increased improvements in education, infrastructure and investment policies.

Uganda is open & secure for foreign investment

Uganda is the most open country to FDI within the region with all the sectors fully liberalized for investment and 100% foreign ownership permitted.

Uganda’s Investment Climate

1. Uganda has had political and social stability since 1986
2. Effective macro-economic policies maintained economic growth at an average of 6.3% and enabled the country to withstand external economic shocks during the global economic downturn from 2008 to 2011 during which the economy still grew by 3%
3. Uganda is rich in natural resources, both in human capacity and in minerals
4. The country has a totally liberalised foreign exchange regime
5. There are consistent improvements in the country’s infrastructures including roads
6. There is a trainable and fast adaptable workforce from over 30 universities
7. Uganda has a welcoming population -Uganda has a population of 40 million people with a growing middle-income class with reasonable expendable income
8. Uganda is a signatory to major international investment and business protocols
9. The country has dedicated Commercial and Industrial courts for quick resolution of business disputes
10. A unique multi climate varies from winter on the snowcapped Mountain Rwenzori in the West, to the temperate highlands of Western Uganda and tropical forests of the Central region as well as to the semi-arid North Eastern regions.
11. Uganda also benefits from The Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (COMESA), a region with a market of about 400 million people in 19 countries.

Reasons why people should consider investing in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, GKMA

• GKMA is the most organized, most recognized and economically the most vibrant area in Uganda
• It is centrally located, providing easy access to markets, and connectivity to road, air and water transport networks as well as energy and communication systems
• GKMA boasts some of the highest GDP per capita in Uganda and is therefore the richest area with the highest purchasing power
• A market bridge links Uganda’s highest GDP points i.e. Kampala (22.5%) and Mukono (5.3%) respectively. Thus, it is a production zone.
• Over 70% of business sales of goods and services happen within a radius of 50-80kms from Kampala City.
• There are unexploited opportunities for agro-processing and industrial production
• There is availability of both skilled and unskilled labour
• An uninterrupted Hydro Electricity Power and vast industrial park of 10,000 acres is soon to be unveiled under Operation Wealth Creation

Uganda’s Vision 2040 envisages a major role for Greater Kampala in Uganda’s structural transformation.

Vision 2040 has outlined an ambitious agenda to transform the country “from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within thirty years.” The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) covers 970sq km with an estimated population of 5.0 million comprising of Kampala Capital City, Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi districts. It is envisaged to play a leading role in Uganda’s transformation. As the country’s main urban area, industrial center and economic engine, with one of the world’s fastest growing and youthful populations, as well as its unique cultural diversity and tourism potential, Greater Kampala has the potential to deliver the critical scale economies that can drive prosperity.

Greater Kampala Metropolitan Authority has a lot of Unique advantages in each of its districts and these include:

Wakiso, geographically encircling Kampala City and host to Entebbe airport, is the gateway into and out of the city. An estimated 50% of the people working in Kampala City live in Wakiso. When Kampala is referred to as the fastest growing city in Africa, in a way it is Wakiso that is leading the growth. Many of the Buganda Kingdom’s cultural sites are found in Wakiso as well as an extensive shoreline along Lake Victoria. Wakiso’s economy has transitioned from agricultural-based, to trade and industry.

Mukono prides itself as the “industrial hub” of the GKMA with over 200 industries in Namanve Park and over 50 in Mbalala Park, with more expansions being planned. Mukono is proud of its organized, planned residential areas, excellent schools, and great potential in lakeside and other hospitality and recreational activities to serve the growing population.

Mpigi is proud of its agribusiness and links to major fruit and vegetable growing areas. Niche products related to loofah plants, vanilla, and beekeeping, among many others, provide additional employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Known as the place where the Equator passes, Mpigi is also a stopover for visitors to Uganda’s world-famous wildlife parks. It is the center for drum-making, having produced drums for the Buganda Kingdom’s royalty for hundreds of years. In addition to tourism, the area is targeted for industrial development. While it has successfully attracted an oil depot and storage investment, additional investments that leverage its rich agricultural advantages, such as food processing and other agribusiness are being explored.

Kampala City houses the city’s Core Business District (CBD) and major education and leisure facilities. It has already begun to position its divisions to reflect key specializations. Lubaga as the Touristic Division, Makindye as the recreation and leisure division, Kawempe as the education division, Nakawa as the industrial division and Central Division is the administrative division. Kampala City is proud to be the vibrant central business district of GKMA, and the economic hub of the country, where economic activities are focused less on industry and more on Business, Financial, and Government Services, as well as Hospitality and Tourism (MICE, Cultural and Religious). It is proud to host a small but dynamic ICT and business incubation sector bolstered by a large, international student population and network of universities led by Makerere University.

While each area is carving out a unique niche for itself, they depend on one another for their future success. The GKMA has a unique location and the area as a whole offers unlimited investment opportunities that virtually impact the whole country and the East African region at large.

Investment opportunities in the greater Kampala metropolitan authority include:

1. a) Unique biodiversity and tourism potential

Greater Kampala is the gateway to one of the most biologically and culturally diverse countries on earth, and has significant untapped potential. Uganda’s bio-diversity is among the richest in the world.2Uganda is also endowed with cultural heritage diversity, with over forty indigenous ethnic groups, which influence both artistic and cultural expressions reflected in “language and literary arts, performing arts, visual arts and handicrafts, indigenous knowledge, cultural beliefs, traditions and values, cultural sites, monuments and antiquities.”3Kampala, the capital city, is often called the Garden City of Africa. It sits on the shore of Lake Victoria, the largest of the African Great Lakes and the second largest fresh water lake in the world by area. Lake Victoria’s shoreline, its islands, and the associated resources are unique to Greater Kampala and play a key role in the city’s economy, particularly in tourism and recreation, transportation and fishing. Birders flock to Greater Kampala to catch a glimpse of the elusive Shoebill Stork, while its islands have been named one of the Best Secret Island Destinations in the World. Greater Kampala is also an important multicultural center. It has been called the “melting pot” of the country, comprising members of all ethnic groups. GKMA is also home to many young artists in the creative space, bringing a modern twist to the country’s rich heritage that includes performing arts, visual arts, fashion and other expressions of culture.

Additionally, the city is a regional center for several world religions and there are numerous religious sites in Greater Kampala, such as:

• Kampala’s Bahai Mother Temple of Africa, is one of only seven Bahai houses of worship in the world
• The Uganda Martyr’s Shrine in Namugongo attracts millions of visitors in June each year
• The Uganda National Mosque, a skyscraper mosque gifted by Colonel Qadafi seats close to 20,000 people
• Lubaga Cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral, the different sites of the Uganda martyrs; the Indian Temples and traditional shrines are all religious sites capable of promoting religious tourism

Kampala is also an entertainment center. The city is endowed with many nightclubs, bars, theatres and entertainment centres which operate all day throughout the year. As a result of these facilities, there are always musical performances, events of different types and a wide array of celebrations. Mega events such as the MTN Marathon, the Kabaka’s birthday Run, end of year celebrations, soccer matches at Nakivubo and Nambole stadium, different sports events and a host of others have good attendance.

Tourism opportunities

Tourism is one of Uganda’s internationally competitive traded sectors with significant untapped potential in GKMA. Four key areas have been identified for GKMA Tourism Product development: Cultural Tourism, Religious Tourism, Nature / Leisure Tourism, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

Tourism related investment opportunities

Working with the private sector, sub-nationals are to design and implement Cultural Tourism Product to include among others:

• Upgrade and promotion of handicrafts and establish an arts and craft hub and training facilities
• Develop the Uganda Martyrs (Namugongo) tourism circuit tracing route across GKMA to promote faith-based tourism
• Assess viability of Entebbe – Kampala water ferry
• Develop facilities and demonstrations areas for culinary tourism
• Upgrading Busabala and Nakabugo landing sites for fishing and tourism destination
• Develop ecotourism sites at Develop Nakivubo channel as Impala Sanctuary with leisure park, walkways, and woodlot
• Gaba boat cruise project and fishing
• Develop sports-based tourism trails
• Development of MICE Bureau, Secretariat and Strategy (KCCA)
• Construction of modern beaches, hotels, lodges, Guest Houses, other leisure facilities along Lake Victoria
• Development of forest and wetland eco-system sites for eco-tourism at Lutembe, Mabamba, including birding and the shoebill stock avian tourism
• Working with the Buganda Kingdom for the re-development of cultural sites such as Wamala tombs, Mukajanga, Kanyange Namasole Tombs
• Work with tour operators on product development, Marketing and promotion support

1. b) Investment Opportunities in the Agriculture Sector

Horticulture

The current fruit and vegetable production is largely in the hands of smallholders with over 60% produced for local consumption. There are only 67 firms registered to export horticultural products. The poor export performance coupled with increased imports of fruits into the country results from insufficient domestic supply to meet domestic demand, and from the presence of foreign supermarkets, juice processing and demand for varieties not yet commercially grown in Uganda.

This sector presents the following investment opportunities:

• Production for exports of horticultural produce (fruits and vegetables) on a large commercial basis
• Production of propagation materials
• Establishment of soil-analysis services
• Manufacture of greenhouse plastics
• Production of inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides
• Production of packaging materials
• Provision of cold-storage facilities
• Value addition such as juice processing
• Urban farming capacity building
• Transporting facilities and silos

Apiculture

The world market for natural honey reached US$2.1 billion in 2017(UN comtrade) and the top five importing countries are USA, Germany, Japan, France and UK respectively. Uganda’s exports of natural honey stood at a mere US$4 thousand in the same year and exported mainly to Oman and Rwanda.

The country also imported natural honey worth US$ 101 thousand from UAE, Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania. It’s evident that domestic demand and export demand for natural honey is too huge to match the current production.

Investment opportunities presented in this sector include supply of honey processing equipment and machinery and packaging materials

Commercial Fish farming (Aquaculture)

The following investment opportunities exists in this sector:

• Construction of fish cages, ponds and fish tanks on and around Lake Victoria to boost fish quantities for both export and local markets
• There is an opportunity in the establishment of fish hatcheries to produce quality fish through Public-Private Partnership arrangements.
• Establishment of fish feed manufacturing factory for quality feeds with standard formulation

Piggery

Approximately 60,000 households rear pigs but on a smallholder level with an average land holding of ¼ acre in the peri -urban areas.

Market Size

The monthly demand for pork in GKMA is estimated at approximately 12 metric tons. The current supply is approximately 2.4 metric tons of pork and the estimated deficit is 9.6 metric tons of pork.

The regional market (East African Community) imports pork from the world worth US$ 4.3 million in 2017. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are the three major importing countries of pork into East Africa. Pork imports into the country are to supermarkets and hotels in areas around Kampala and Wakiso. This trend probably points at insufficient domestic supply.

The following investment opportunities are identified

• Producing piglets for sale at weaning
• Raising sows that will be bred with superior boars to produce good quality piglets for sale
• Construction of modern piggery slaughter houses for processed meat
• Production of animal feeds on a commercial level

Poultry

Investment Opportunities are:

• Commercial production/farming of broilers and kuroilers
• Hatcheries
• Poultry feeds
• Supply of chicken meat to supermarkets and export markets
• Supply of eggs to local and regional markets

1. c) The Dairy sector presents the following Investment opportunities:

• Commercial production of milk to supply processing farms
• Milk processing for local and export market
• Production of cattle feeds
• Leather tanning
• Production of manure out of cattle waste
• Provision of professional veterinary services
• Production of electricity and manure from waste
• Production of artisan products (horn products) out of cow horns
• Supply of hay and silage

1. d) Storage Facilities & cold chain stores

With increasing costs of doing business in Kampala, companies are now looking for cheaper logistic storage space outside the central business district of Kampala. According to the Real Estate report the current monthly occupancy rates range between US$3.5-$7 per square meter. This is quite high and points at one fundamental fact: demand for storage space overwhelms supply thus creating opportunities for investment in storage facilities.

There is also a challenge of cold storage facilities for horticultural and flower exporters. The only cold store at Entebbe Airport lacks capacity to accommodate all the fresh produce and is monopolized by big flower exporting firms. Investment opportunities in this sector are:

• Construction of cold storage facilities around and near Entebbe
• Construction of bonded warehouses and other logistics premises to make use of the strategic location

1. e) Commercial Infrastructure

Industrial parks and Export Processing Zones/ Special Economic Zones – Investment opportunities:

• Development of a trade center for regional distribution of high-quality products focusing on central region of Uganda and EAC markets.
• Development of Industrial parks for light industries for processing agro-based raw materials from Wakiso and neighboring districts for value addition before exports. Construction of a logistics center offering facilities such as showrooms for display of factory products, an inland container depot (ICD), ICT facilities for BPO, simple assembly and processing of products, training center for local experts and housing apartments.
• Potential investors can also take advantage of Export Processing Zones (EPZ)/Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programs in different ways such as developing EPZ/SEZs infrastructure as well as manufacturing for exports and other commercial operations.

1. f) Market Facilities and work spaces

The growing number of market vendors in Kampala and the plan to decongest Kampala city means that traditional markets such as Owino and USAFI will be soon phased out. There is available suitable land for construction of markets and other work spaces in strategic points within the GKMA. This can be done through Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

1. g) Construction of Modern Abattoirs (Slaughter houses)

One of the major public health concerns in the GKMA is the status of the abattoir and the entire meat value chain. Handling of animals and slaughter houses leave a lot to be desired. The transportation, treatment, and slaughter of animals is generally carried out in haphazard and unregulated manner in diverse places. The main slaughter house was established in the 1930s but a combination of health hazards, poor hygiene, disease, social concerns, brutal treatment of the cattle, exacerbated by rapid urbanization experienced over the years, have attracted increasing levels of opprobrium in the industry which now demands for the isolation, sequester and regulation of animal slaughter houses.

As a way of improving Food Chain and hygiene, deliberate investments including the establishment of modern abattoirs with approved food handling and cold store systems, specialized system built outside city limits are paramount.

Government seeks to collaborate with different stakeholders to construct modern abattoir facilities, improve the standard of butcheries across the area to include improving butcher facilities, and training in hygiene and food handling.

1. h) Construction of ports / Marine services.

Construction of ports and landing sites to improve water transport from Entebbe to Jinja, Kampala, Mukono and Ssese Islands, Kisumu, Mwanza, Musoma and Bukoba is an investment opportunity and can drive intra-EAC trade. Leisure boats and cruise ships have high potential for investment.

1. i) Mining Opportunities

The GKMA area has a variety of mineral resources including kaolin, beryllium, Bismutotantalite, Amblygonite, clays, sand gravel, and construction materials such as granites.

Kaolin – According to the mineral locality report, deposits are found in Namasera, Migadde and Buwambo areas.

Kaolin, also called kaolinite, is a platy white clay used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Kaoline is an important ingredient in making medicine that treats diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, ulcers, sores, and internal swellings. It is also used in the manufacture of cosmetic products such as cleansers, shampoos, toothpastes, and beauty products.

Market size

The world demand for kaolin clay is US$1.8 billion in 2017(UN comtrade). Japan, Belgium, Germany, Finland and China are the world top 5 importing countries for this product. Uganda managed to export 685 tons of kaoline to Burundi, Rwanda and India earning just US$104 thousand in the same period which is an under-utilisation of this potentially massive resource. Considering the size of the world market and the availability of these mineral deposits in Wakiso, investing in commercial mining of kaolin for exports is commercially viable.

Granite Stones

There are huge deposits of quality granite stones in Masulita which can be used for making hard core granite tiles, fabrication of kitchen/table counter tops, tombstones, stone aggregate for road construction and reinforcing buildings. Given the pace of urbanization, real estate, infrastructure development  rapidly expanding and requiring granite stones, there are  big investment opportunities in quarrying in this area.

Amblygonite–Amblygonite is a fluorophosphate mineral, composed of lithium, sodium, aluminum, phosphate, fluoride and hydroxide. This mineral is used in the jewelry industry as gemstone. The Uganda Geological Survey also reports deposits of Amblygonite found in Gamba Hill, Nampeyo, Wakiso district. Investment opportunities therefore exist in commercial mining of this mineral.

Beryllium–Beryllium is also found in Gamba Hills, Nampeyo, Busiro, and Wakiso district. It has huge demand globally. The world demand for Beryllium in 2017 reached US$1.2 billion and a ton of beryllium costs somewhere between US$27,460 to US$155,836 depending on the country of origin. Looking at global demand and unit price for this mineral, investing in commercial mining of Beryllium would be viable.

Bismutotantalite –There are Bismutotantalite deposits also found in Gamba hills, Nampeyo, Busiro. However not much has been done in commercial exploitation of this mineral thus investment opportunity. Global demand for this mineral reached 8275 tons amounting to US$105.2 million in 2017 and the world price per ton was US$12,725.

1. j) Solid Waste Management and landfill management

Waste management is one of the primary and most visible functions of local government in GKMA and has a significant impact on key traded clusters (tourism, manufacturing, energy production), visitors’ impressions, including tourists, business people and potential investors. Trash is ubiquitous around GKMA, including at key tourism sites.

Waste in the GKMA is haphazardly collected, stored, transported and indiscriminately disposed of. The main type of garbage waste generated is bio-degradable which is mainly generated by households. The non-biodegradable waste is mainly generated by health centres, construction sites, industries and other institutions.

Investment opportunities in SWM include:

• Improve solid waste movement chain management
• Comprehensive GKMA-wide audit of existing dumpsites and current and future needs
• Open new, modern solid waste processing facilities and transfer facilities in strategic locations throughout GKMA. The system will cater for generation, collection, transportation, volume reduction systems, transfer stations and final disposal across the districts and the GKMA
• Establishment of modern garbage recycling plants
• Recycling of Polythene, plastic and paper for various end uses
• Generation of electricity from waste
• Provision of garbage and refuse disposal facilities
• Generation of manure for agricultural purposes

1. k) Real Estate Opportunities – The Urban Housing

The Urban Housing Project (UHP) is a housing development concept for low income earners on commercial basis – developing of housing units in an apartment form to be sold to low income earners on a cost sharing basis using the available condominium law.

The GKMA is known by many as a dormitory that hosts the highest number of people working in Kampala and also highest number of real estate owners. According to recent reports there exists an estimated housing estate of more than 300,000 units; a significant shortage of residential accommodation; a significant amount of the population lives in rented residential houses, and there are soaring prices of building/ construction materials, high costs of rent in towns as a result of increased demand.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report revealed that Kampala alone has a housing deficit of 100,000 units. Investment Opportunities include:

• organized estates for middle income earners
• Provision of Housing Finance Services
• Low income housing for the high population
• Reorganisation of slum areas – there are over 58 slum areas in and around Kampala
• Engineering services such as civil and architectural services
• Sustainable stone and quarrying mining

1. l) Manufacturing
2. Packaging Materials

The packing industry includes all forms of printed paper and plastic packaging, woods, foil and glass packaging. Given the role of this sub-sector in supporting other industries (especially pharmaceuticals, horticultural products, beverages, edible oil, fish, and dairy products) in marketing and distribution generally, as well as in international trade. The developments in the manufacturing sector, especially the production of consumer goods, explain the increased demand for plastic packaging items. Investment opportunities exist in the production of boxes, corrugated cases (shuffle), cartons and labels, flexible packages, rigid plastics, and thin-walled plastics.

1. Construction & Building Materials

The GKMA has the highest population growth rate and the biggest number of firms engaged in the manufacture of construction and building materials in the country. As the urban society of the area extends, the demand for construction and building materials such as cement, sand, bricks, roofing products (tiles, iron sheets, nails), paint, concrete products etc. will continue to grow thus creating an investment opportunity.

1. m) Value Addition opportunities

The main agricultural production activities in the GKMA include coffee production, fishing, livestock farming, horticulture, maize production, vanilla, cocoa, bananas etc. There is a comparative advantage in processing these products. Investment opportunities therefore exist in: Fruit processing, Fish processing, Coffee processing (instant coffee production), Cereal processing for meal, banana & Irish potato processing for crisps, tannery processing plants (animal skin processing), milling and production of animal feeds etc.

1. n) Establishment of Artisan Parks

Underemployment and informal employment are one of the city’s biggest challenges. Job creation, particularly in traded industries, and targeted youth skilling are two imperatives of GKMA’s economic development strategy. When it comes to job creation, however, it is important to note that in addition to the number of jobs required to accommodate future growth, the quality of the jobs also matters. With young people entering GKMA’s job market at unprecedented rates, quality jobs are of paramount importance.

A key challenge for GKMA is to develop the conditions to support job growth and high wages in a diverse array of traded industries, and to encourage and support initiatives that can spur business development and job creation in the traded industries that can have significant impact in Greater Kampala.

This includes the construction of serviced premises where artisans can locate and work. The proposal is that these Parks are constructed and managed in partnership with the private sector and will help improve working conditions of micro enterprises. They will be specialized in similar or related industries such as art and crafts, woodwork, metal work, ceramics and pottery, among others. To help improve the quality and competitiveness of their products, modern state of the art common user facilities will be installed. To ensure reduced cost of electricity, the parks will be connected to industrial level grid. The artisans will also be provided training in market research and quality upgrading for a period of at least 6 months to improve the viability and market potential of their products. Each park will have a show room for artisans to display their products.

Examples of artisan parks being considered include: a) Metalwork; (ii) Woodwork & Crafts; (iii) Tourism crafts; (iv) Food Processing Park for MSMEs; (v) ICT / BPO hub.

1. o) Transport Services

As population numbers have continued to grow in the GKMA, so has the demand for modern and innovative transport modes. There currently exit investment opportunities in:

City Bus Services

The overall intention is to deliberately promote the use of high passenger volume public transport modes and discourage the use of low passenger volume vehicles that include 14-seater taxis and motorcycles (Boda Boda).

In conjunction with Private Sector Investors, Government is working on reintroducing the city bus services to systematically improve public transport with clear effective regulating regime to ensure attractiveness through reliable service at a predictable cost. The bus services is considered more ideal given the nature of the City roads and the need to reduce on the number of the 14-seater commuter taxis in the City.

Kampala Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) network

In conjunction with the Ministry of Works and Transport and UNRA, efforts are underway for the introduction of a BRT pilot phase of 25kms from Kireka to Bwaise with a spur to Zana on Entebbe Road.

The pilot will be the first step towards the introduction of an integrated transport service system that will align Non-Motorized Transport route and other traditional routes and systems. It is envisaged that this will transform the public transport service consequently eliminating all low volume modes of transport in the city and expanded into the GKMA.

Light rails (metro train) services

The medium-long term goal is the introduction of light rail transit system under a PPP arrangement to ease movement to and within the City. Introduction of the light rails will complement the other forms of transport and further augment public transport systems in the City and its suburbs.

City Parking Management

There are efforts to enter into Public Private Partnerships to construct modern public transport terminals with multi-storeyed parking facilities in Kampala City and other satellite sites across the GKMA as a strategy for decongesting the narrow roads and pave way for the introduction of mass transit systems in the area. For example, KCCA is planning to re-develop the Old Taxi Park, Usafi Park and the New Taxi Park into modern public transport terminals and a number of carefully selected places into multi-storeyed parking facilities. In partnership with the Private Sector, KCCA will encourage the establishment of public transport terminals in the City periphery and other prime areas to further decongest the City Centre.

1. p) Investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Due to rapid urbanization, the population of the GKMA is expected to reach 8 million by 2040, generating enormous administrative demand stemming from abrupt population growth. Given this rapid urbanization, the development of an e-Government system in the GKMA area using ICT will save time and cut costs in terms of delivering public services and information, while achieving both effectiveness and efficiency. At the same time, the need for e-Government is ever growing since it is a key enabler that guarantees the responsibility and transparency of the government.

Investment Opportunities abound in the following areas:

• e-business services
• ICT infrastructure and training, including extension to rural areas, call centers
• Logistics management
• Provision of Internet-related hardware and software, Broadband wireless Internet services among others.

1. q) Education Sector opportunities

Opportunities exist in:

• the provision of facilities and training services in primary and secondary schools
• investing in vocational training, polytechnics, technical and tertiary education

With most of the government adopting the universal education policy, private universities will continue to gain greater prominence, as the government needs private options to absorb the significantly large numbers of the primary and secondary students the education systems produce today.

Greater Kampala is also a prominent national and regional center of higher education. There are more than 40 universities in Uganda, most of them concentrated in Greater Kampala. Makerere University, one of the oldest and highest ranked institutions of higher education in Africa, located in Kampala, educates the vast majority of college students in Uganda, and hosts several thousand foreign students. There are also over 27 vocational and technical schools in Greater Kampala. The city’s educational institutions have expanded recently to include innovation hubs. Shared workspaces and incubators are popping up e.g. Hive Colab, Outbox Hub, Mara Launchpad, WITU and Makerere’s Microsoft Innovation Center and are serving as key players in the region’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.

1. r) Investment in Health Services

Healthcare comprises of hospitals, healthcare centers / dispensing pharmacies at lower levels and Clinics. The available facilities are indeed inadequate given the rapid population growth in the region and the influx of internal and external migrants.

Investment opportunities exist in the following area:

• the establishment of hospitals, clinics, dental facilities and other health units
• the establishment of modern diagnostic and testing facilities
• training of medical personnel in specialized medical care
• fabrication and supply of hospital equipment and furniture

1. s) Investing in Financial Services Sector

Investment potential exists in establishing commercial banks as well as other financial services like real-estate financing, lease finance, agricultural finance and advisory services, money lending and Savings Cooperatives etc. The rapid growth of the informal sector offers opportunities in the provision of credit and related services.

For further information contact:

Edemachu Monica Ejua, Principal Assistant Secretary

Tel: +256-772515561 +256-706543239

Emauil:monicaejua@gmail.com

[justified_image_grid preset=3 ids=”27890,27891,27892,27893,27894,27895,27896,27897,27898,27899,27900,27901,27902,27903,27904,27905,27906,27907,27908,27909,27910,27911,27912,27913,27914,27915,27916,27917,27918,27919,27920,27921,27922,27923,27924,27925,27926,27927,27928,27929,27930,27931,27932,27933,27934,27935,27936,27937,27938,27939,27940,27941,27942,27944,27945,27946,27947,27948,27949,27950,27951,27952,27953,27954,27955,27956,27957,27958,27959,27960,27961,27962,27963,27964,27965,27966,27967,27968,27969,27970,27971,27972,27973,27974,27975,27976,27977,27978,27979,27980,27981,27982,27983,27984,27985,27986,27987,27988,27989,27990,27991,27992,27993,27994,27995,27996,27997,27998,27999,28000,28001,28002,28003,28004,28005,28006,28007,28008,28009,28010,28011,28012,28013,28014,28015,28016,28017,28019,28020,28021,28022,28023,28024,28025,28026,28027,28029,28030,28031,28032,28033,28034,28035,28037,28038,28039,28040,28041,28042,28043,28044,28045,28046,28047,28048,28049,28050,28051,28052,28053″]

I take the pleasure to thank all those that were present for sparing their valuable time to attend this important event and those that couldn’t make it in their absence ,for the tremendous support to the 9^th Uk-Uganda convention.

This year’s theme was “Unlocking Uganda’s Investment Potential” and it fitted well with some of the core objectives which were:

• Promoting and facilitating bilateral trade between the United Kingdom, Europe, the Diaspora and Uganda
• Facilitating foreign direct investment in Uganda
• Providing a platform for businesses to expand into new markets
• Promoting British businesses exporting to Uganda
• Encouraging and exposing business and investment opportunities to Ugandans living in the UK.

This year, we added an extra day and also a dedicated session on Fintech, with the aim of increasing inward investment to Uganda within this booming sector. With the support of a Fintech expert in London, the Managing Director of the agency Full Reach, Mr Martin Best, it was our mission to use this annual forum to open up opportunities for British and Ugandan firms to establish deeper relationships and unlock new economic Fintech partnerships. London raised £1.8bn in venture capital and public listings in 2018, almost twice that of Berlin, its nearest European rival.

We were happy to welcome our partners in this sector, VISA Inc, WorldRemit, International Trade Centre, Lord Popat’s office, London Chambers of Commerce and Industry, The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Department for International Trade (British High Commission, Kampala), Copenhagen FinTech and Pangea Accelerator, FITSPA, Africa FinTech Network, among others.

We continue to recognize and thank some special people who particularly gave dedicated support to the Convention, ensuring that it did not only succeed but also attracted the right people. These included: Mr. Subhash Thakrar, General Kasiita Gowa, Mr. Ibrahim K Bogere – Group Chairman, KPG, Martin Best, Ade Daramy, who flew all the away from Sierra Leone, Eric Olanya, the dedicated volunteers and the organising committee team.

This year, the Convention became a member of The British Exporters Association (BExA), to be able to encourage and expose the vast opportunities offered to British businesses and investors in Uganda.

One of the main focused sectors at this year’s convention was infrastructure and were happy to have Lars Peter Jensen, from COLAS sharing his knowledge on challenges and opportunities for delivering major projects. Colas UK, through a local company, SBC (Uganda) Ltd are constructing a new airport in Hoima, thanks to the largest ever UKEF loan made to an African government.  Ladies and Gentlemen, this showed confidence the UK government has in Uganda, to award them a loan of such magnitude.

We had over five established real estate companies showcasing and looking for Ugandans and investors to invest in this fast-booming industry in Uganda.

We had the general manager of Pearl Marina and Executive Director, Housing Finance Bank, also sharing on the construction of affordable housing market; what the current sources of funding are; what the plans/initiatives to make housing credit more affordable are; and which alternative financing solutions are available.

I am happy to note that H.E. the President, established the State House Anti-Corruption Unit as a channel for his direct involvement in the fight against corruption. We were happy that Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema, The Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit presented on how the government, and specifically the unit she is heading, was doing to combat corruption.

Corruption continues to harm not only Uganda but Africa at large, hampering democracy, development and the ability to bring people out of poverty.

We had Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, a National Consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Uganda attending.  He is currently working on a study on “Diaspora and Agribusiness Investment in Uganda, to determine the contribution of Uganda Diaspora in Agribusiness Investment in Uganda and how this has contributed to youth unemployment.  For those who were already engaged in Agri-business, or wishing to start a business in that sector, please reach out to him.

He also sought to reach out to Ugandans in the Diaspora, and reiterated that we have the ability and responsibility to both create and introduce systems in Uganda that do not currently exist or are simply broken down. Through this, our people will greatly benefit. It does not matter what industry you are in, as most, if not all sectors, are in need of improvement. However, this is a group effort. We must be devoted as a community to investing home, with the goal of strengthening our economy for the future. He asked all to grow this community by encouraging our diaspora peers to consider investing in our country Uganda.

He shared that investing in Uganda after being away for a long time is not easy, nor quick. One needs to invest with a great amount of patience in the process, do due-diligence, yet have the determination to reach their goals. With those three elements, you are destined for success in helping create the change we would all like to see in Uganda.

This year’s Convention provided everyone with the strategies, techniques and tools, and the right partners that one needs to do successful business in Uganda.

The Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority, Hon.Betty Kamya enlightened us on government initiatives and strategies to attract investors.

We couldn’t discuss investment without hearing about some challenges and success stories of established businesses in Uganda. Joseph Kiggundu, Director “One Stop Centre” at Uganda Investment Authority, reviewed Uganda’s investment landscape and shared perspectives on business opportunities and challenges and also informed us how the One Stop Centre was helping to overcome some of the challenges.

He was happy to report that for the last 8 years, over 5,470 delegates have attended the Convention; and more than 167 Ugandans relocated to Uganda; 77 companies from Uganda have showcased their services at the Convention, and 95 UK companies including SMEs in the Diaspora have also exhibited at the Convention.

I am happy to report that, this year, Barclays Bank Business Club (Uganda) led a delegation of over 30 business people to the 9^th UK Convention. This is a great opportunity for those who are looking for partners in Uganda to reach out. The group consisted of CEOs and business owners representing various sectors including: Infrastructure, Agro-processing, Real Estate and construction, Packaging and Printing, FMG and commodities wholesalers, Electronic wholesales, Health and medical equipment, Tour and Hospitality, Exporters, Fashion and Financial institutions and banking.

Finally, this event could not be what it is without our sponsors, such as; VISA Inc, WorldRemit, Eric & Winstons Short Stay Apartments, SBC Uganda Colas, Housing Finance Bank, Comfort Homes, Fakhruddin Properties, Universal   Enterprises, Southgate Properties, KPG, Jakarna Heights, Alvan Blanch, Pearl Marina, Property Show. And our partners, The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’, India’s premier business association with 9,000 members and other premier partners such as The International Trade Centre, Economic Policy Group (EPG); The Department for International Trade; London Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Copenhagen FinTech, The Department for International Trade, FITSPA and many others

I want to acknowledge the exhibitors, and thank each and every one for coming, and making this Convention the great experience that it has become. Special mention goes to Mr. Bernard Magulu, ED Bank of Africa Uganda who has been one of the most dedicated volunteers of the Convention.

It is all about you, for you and by you, and it would not be what it is without you. I hope you enjoyed and had a productive experience.

Once again, I thank everyone for their continued support for the UK-UG Convention and looking forward to being with you in the coming Conventions.

Thank you so much.

Willy Mutenza

Chairman – Founder, Uganda Convention-UK

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”

[justified_image_grid mobile_preset=16 ids=”27700,27701,27702,27703,27704,27705,27706,27707,27708,27709,27711,27712,27713,27714,27718,27722,27723,27726,27728,27729,27731,27732,27734,27735,27737,27738,27739,27740,27741,27742,27743,27744,27747,27750,27754,27755,27756,27759,27760,27761,27765,27766,27767,27770,27771,27772,27773,27774,27775,27776,27777,27778,27779,27780,27781,27782,27783,27784,27785,27787,27788,27789,27790,27791,27792,27793,27794,27795,27796,27797,27798,27799,27800,27801,27802,27803,27804,27805,27806,27807,27808,27809,27810,27811,27812,27813,27814,27815,27816,27817,27818,27819,27820,27821,27824,27825,27826,27827,27828,27829,27830,27831,27832,27833,27834,27835,27836,27837,27838,27839,27840,27841,27842,27843,27844,27845,27846,27848,27849,27850,27851,27852,27853,27854,27856,27857,27858,27859,27860,27861,27862,27863,27864,27865,27866,27867,27868,27869,27870,27871,27872,27873,27875,27876,27877,27878,27879,27880″]