KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda and Tanzania have initiated a week-long trade mission in Kampala aimed at strengthening economic partnerships between the two East African nations. The initiative, themed “Building Stronger Trade Partnerships for Long-Term Prosperity,” officially began at the Four Points Hotel on Monday.
Senior officials and business leaders from both countries are participating in a series of events designed to boost trade and foster economic growth. The Uganda High Commission in Dar-Es-Salaam is spearheading the mission, emphasizing economic and commercial diplomacy.
Sarah Kagingo, Vice Chairperson of Uganda’s Private Sector Foundation (PSFU), welcomed the Tanzanian delegation, highlighting the PSFU’s role in advocating for the private sector. She noted the trade mission’s goal of encouraging Tanzanian companies to explore business and investment opportunities in Uganda, particularly in sectors like agro-processing, construction materials, steel, dairy, pharmaceuticals, and fast-moving consumer goods. “This trade mission is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared vision between Uganda and Tanzania,” Kagingo said.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, retired Col. Fred Mwesigye, expressed gratitude and pointed to the significant growth in bilateral trade, which reached approximately $2.23 billion in 2024, up from $1.36 billion in 2023. However, he also noted a trade imbalance, with Uganda’s exports to Tanzania at $185 million and imports at $2.0 billion. Mwesigye urged attendees to capitalize on the opportunity to advance the trade agenda and deepen economic ties.
Representing Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, State Minister for Trade Hon. Mbadi underscored the significance of the gathering in strengthening commercial and investment relations. He showcased Uganda’s industrial sector, including entities like Liaoshen Industrial Park and Pearl Dairy, and highlighted infrastructure developments such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which he said would generate significant revenue and jobs.
Speaking for the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Uganda, Mr. Masunga Biteko emphasized the strong relationship between the two countries and the mission’s purpose of unlocking bilateral trade potential. He encouraged Tanzanian businesses and their Ugandan counterparts to utilize transportation services like Air Tanzania and the MV Umoja and MV KAZI NDA for goods transport.
The trade mission is scheduled to include business-to-business sessions and visits to the Kapeeka and Namanve Industrial Parks before concluding at the end of the week.
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