Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja underscored the potential for strong economic collaboration between Uganda and the UAE at the 3rd Uganda-UAE Business Forum.
Held at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, the forum attracted leaders from government, academia, and business sectors from both regions.
Nabbanja’s keynote address emphasized Uganda’s opportunities across youth-driven innovation, natural resources, and sustainable development.
“Africa, with its young, dynamic population, offers vast potential for innovation and entrepreneurship,” Nabbanja stated, highlighting how Uganda’s resource-rich landscape—including minerals, renewable energy, and arable land—aligns with UAE’s investment interests.
Since establishing its embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2009, and more recently a consulate in Dubai in 2022, Uganda has seen over $3 billion in UAE investments across diverse sectors like energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Ahead of her keynote, Nabbanja met with Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to reinforce the deep diplomatic ties between the two countries.
She acknowledged the UAE’s role in hosting over 150,000 Ugandans, whose presence was praised by Sheikh Shakhboot as embodying values of peace, hard work, and trustworthiness.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hon. John Mulimba, also discussed expanded economic opportunities with H.E. Rashed Alblooshi of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Mulimba noted that the UAE is now Uganda’s top Middle Eastern export market, with a mutual interest in strengthening partnerships in agriculture, mining, and aviation.
Mulimba advocated for enhanced connectivity between the two nations, proposing a code-share agreement between Uganda Airlines and Etihad Airways to facilitate travel and commerce.
He requested the resumption of Etihad flights to Entebbe, which could serve Abu Dhabi’s substantial Ugandan expatriate population, now estimated at 30,000.
The annual Uganda-UAE Business Forum, organized by Uganda’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai, aims to foster foreign direct investment, increase Uganda’s export footprint, and enhance tourism.
This year’s theme, “Unlocking New Horizons: UAE-Uganda Partnership for Economic Prosperity,” highlights the nations’ shared vision for growth and innovation in Africa.
