KAMPALA, Uganda — The inaugural Kampala-Kigali Expo kicked off in Uganda’s capital on Saturday, January 25, with a resounding call to dismantle non-tariff barriers to trade and foster greater collaboration among entrepreneurs from both countries.
The two-day event brought together Uganda and Rwanda’s most innovative minds, businesses, and cultural leaders to celebrate unity, innovation, and growth. Rwanda’s Deputy High Commissioner to Uganda, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ismael Baguma, emphasized his country’s commitment to addressing trade barriers and promoting regional commerce.
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“Beyond commerce, this expo represents the unity and resilience of our people,” Baguma said. “Trade is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships, learning from each other, and creating a future where everyone can thrive.”
Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, urged exhibitors to prioritize building enduring partnerships that uplift communities and create lasting change. He emphasized the need for governments to invest in skills development and mentorship programs to equip people for the modern economy.
“Let us prioritize creating infrastructure that facilitates connectivity, reduces trade barriers, and encourages collaboration,” Ayebare said. “It is essential that our governments also invest in skills development and mentorship programmes to equip our people for the demands of the modern economy.”
Eric Byiringiro, a Rwandan exhibitor dealing in real estate and construction materials, praised the event for facilitating valuable connections with Ugandan counterparts. “I benefited greatly from the exhibition through the exchange of ideas with my Ugandan counterparts,” he said.
Poshia Kirezi, Manager of ITOTO cosmetics, a company based in Kampala, also highlighted the opportunities for collaboration and growth. “I met new clients and networked well with counterparts from Rwanda,” she said.
One of the event’s organizers, Canary Mugume, announced plans to hold the expo twice a year, with the next edition scheduled for Kigali in October. “After the reopening of the Uganda-Rwanda border, trade has been picking up, so we thought we should have people-centered events that increase collaboration among the young entrepreneurs of both countries,” he said.
The Kampala-Kigali Expo aims to empower both countries by creating a dynamic, multi-sector platform that promotes trade, innovation, and collaboration.
