ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja emphasized the importance of commercial diplomacy during the 3rd Uganda-UAE Business Forum, held in Abu Dhabi.
“Africa has immense potential, driven by its young workforce, abundant natural resources and vast arable land,” Nabbanja said. “This presents opportunities for investment, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Nabbanja noted that Uganda’s relationship with the UAE has been built on economic and commercial diplomacy, with the UAE now one of the leading investors in Uganda, having made Foreign Direct Investments of over $3 billion in various sectors.
“The UAE is now one of the leading investors in Uganda, having made FDI to the tune of $3 billion across a spectrum of sectors, particularly energy, infrastructure, healthcare, agri-business, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, real estate and tourism,” Nabbanja said.
In a bilateral meeting with Emirati Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Nabbanja underscored the strong bonds of friendship between Uganda and the UAE.
She thanked the UAE for hosting the 150,000-strong Ugandan diaspora community, stating it as evidence of the close ties between the two nations.
Sheikh Shakhboot praised the Ugandan community in Abu Dhabi, describing them as “hardworking, trustworthy, peaceful and friendly.”
Nabbanja also met with H.E. Rashed Alblooshi, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. They discussed areas of economic cooperation and possible Foreign Direct Investment in the agricultural, mineral and aviation sectors.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, accompanied Nabbanja and highlighted the UAE as Uganda’s top market for exports in the Middle East.
“The UAE is the number one market for Uganda’s exports in the Middle East, and we welcome Foreign Direct Investment from the UAE,” Mulimba said.
Mulimba requested the resumption of Etihad Airways flights to Entebbe, which were suspended in 2017 due to low demand. He noted that the demographic has since changed, with approximately 30,000 Ugandans now living and working in Abu Dhabi alone.
The Uganda-UAE Business Forum aims to boost Foreign Direct Investment, exports, tourism and technology transfers between the two nations.
