KAMPALA, Uganda — A four-day Uganda-Kenya Trade and Investment Mission began Monday in Kampala, bringing together government officials, diplomats and private sector representatives from both nations to boost regional trade.
The mission, coordinated by the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa and led by Consul-General Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, is taking place at the Hilton Garden Inn and runs until Thursday.
Ambassador Mukumbya was lauded for his “business-oriented diplomatic approach” by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Joash Maangi. “This is diplomacy that delivers results — Uganda’s economy is gaining because of the Ambassador’s deliberate engagement with the business community,” Maangi said.
Mukumbya acknowledged the Kenyan private sector delegation, led by Samora Marcel, for highlighting both opportunities and challenges in cross-border trade. He also praised the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa’s direct engagement with businesses, which he said “creates the kind of confidence and business environment that investors look for.”
Kenyan private sector participants suggested establishing a Ugandan government liaison office to streamline trade facilitation and communication. They also encouraged their compatriots to seek governmental resolution for issues rather than resorting to street demonstrations.
Ambassador Richard Kabonero, head of Regional Economic Cooperation, representing Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored Uganda’s commitment to economic diplomacy and regional integration.
“This mission is not just an event — it is a deliberate investment in Uganda’s future. We are determined to position Uganda not only as a trade hub but as a reliable, peaceful, and predictable partner,” Kabonero said, reaffirming the ministry’s support for consular initiatives and deepening bilateral ties with Kenya.
Gen. Wilson Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme: “Promoting Intra-East African Trade and Investment for Economic Development.” He challenged East African Community member states to address the low levels of intra-regional trade, which stands at 16% compared to 67% within the European Union. He urged governments and the private sector to actively dismantle trade barriers.
“The future of East Africa must be made in East Africa, for East Africans,” Mbadi stated, emphasizing that “Peace is the foundation of commerce, investment, and growth.”
The day included presentations from key Ugandan institutions such as the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB), and Uganda Free Zones Authority (UFZA). These bodies called for enhanced collaboration with Kenyan counterparts and showcased Uganda’s improved investment climate, digitized processes and regulatory reforms.
Business-to-Business (B2B) and Government-to-Government (G2G) meetings were held across strategic sectors including agro-industry, services, manufacturing and real estate. Kenyan investors expressed appreciation for Uganda’s openness and offered constructive feedback during a question-and-answer session.
The mission will continue with visits to the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority offices, a tour of the Entebbe Free Zone and the cargo section at Entebbe International Airport, and a Kampala city tour.
