The Uganda Embassy in Tokyo reaffirmed its leadership in advancing Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy with the successful hosting of the 1st Uganda–Japan Trade and Investment Forum in Osaka, Japan. Held under the theme “Boosting Trade and Investments between Uganda and Japan,” the high-level forum marked a strategic push by the Embassy to position Uganda as a preferred African trade and investment partner in Asia.
The event, held at the Grand Ballroom West of The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, was part of Uganda’s broader engagement at the Expo 2025 Osaka. It brought together Japanese investors, business leaders, Ugandan exporters, and government agencies in a focused effort to unlock bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
Organized by the Embassy in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), JETRO, and Uganda’s national media platforms, the Forum was a culmination of months of diplomatic engagement and trade promotion.
The Forum followed a successful Uganda Product Exhibition held the previous day at Lucua Business Center in Osaka. These efforts form part of the Embassy’s larger campaign at Expo 2025 to present Uganda as an open, ready, and rewarding destination for investment, trade, and tourism.
H.E. Tophace Kaahwa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, delivered opening remarks that set the tone for the Forum. She emphasized that Uganda’s presence at Expo 2025 goes beyond cultural representation—it is a proactive call for strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and sustainable investment.
“This Forum is an extension of Uganda’s hand to Japan—an invitation to explore the immense potential our country offers in trade, manufacturing, agriculture, and innovation,” Ambassador Kaahwa stated. “The Embassy is proud to lead this mission to deepen Uganda’s economic footprint in the region.”
The forum was officiated by Hon. Gen. Mbasu Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, who commended the Embassy for its tireless efforts in mobilizing Japanese interest in Uganda’s economy. He reiterated the Government’s full backing for Uganda’s Trade Diplomacy initiatives abroad.
A key highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA) and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Embassy played a central role in facilitating this landmark agreement aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration, promoting knowledge exchange, and facilitating joint trade and investment initiatives.
Speaking at the signing, Mr. Hez Kimoomi Alinda, Executive Director of UFZEPA, acknowledged the Embassy’s pivotal role: “This MoU is a testament to Uganda’s commitment, and we thank the Embassy for creating this bridge between our two nations.”
Participants were introduced to Uganda’s untapped investment potential, particularly in agro-processing, renewable energy, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. Presentations also highlighted Uganda’s strategic geographic position and access to regional markets through EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA.
The delegation included key institutions such as the Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Development Corporation, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and the Ministry of Agriculture, which held targeted B2B meetings with Japanese counterparts.
Through strategic coordination, relationship-building, and visibility efforts, the Uganda Embassy in Japan continues to be at the forefront of promoting Uganda’s national interests on the global stage. Uganda is Open for Business.
