A high-level delegation comprising of representatives from 10 private sector companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently undertaking a strategic investment mission to Uganda, running from June 26 to July 3, 2025. The delegation is led by H.E. Zaake Kibedi, Ambassador of Uganda to the UAE, Asha Nabbanja, Head of Investments and Technology Transfer at the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and is accompanied by Mumbejja Erina Zalwango, Counselor at the Uganda Consulate General in Dubai.
The Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Uganda Consulate in Dubai are spearheading this mission, organized under the Embassy’s mandate to promote economic and commercial diplomacy. The visit aligns with the objectives of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which aims to grow Uganda’s economy tenfold through strategic investment in agro-industry, tourism, mining, and science, technology and innovation (STI).
The UAE delegation’s mission seeks to deepen economic cooperation between Uganda and the UAE, with a special focus on agriculture and agro-industrial investment opportunities. Key objectives include cultivating partnerships with Ugandan stakeholders, sourcing agricultural products, gaining insight into Uganda’s agro-industrialization agenda, understanding export-related processes, and identifying key exporters of high-value commodities.
The five-day agricultural mission commenced with a comprehensive tour of agro-processing factories, aimed at gaining insights into operations, raw material sourcing, and the entire agricultural value chain. Among the key facilities visited was Maganjo Grain Millers, a leading agro-processor.
Activities began with a visit to the Namanve National Tree Seed Center, under the National Forestry Authority (NFA). There, the team learned about Uganda’s afforestation initiatives and sustainable forestry programs. They toured the center’s facilities and examined the production of tree seedlings such as mango, Warburgia, and Monodora myristica. With an annual seed output of 10 tons, the center supplies seeds for both sale and free distribution to promote environmental conservation across Uganda.
The investors then visited the National Union of Coffee Agri-business and Farming Enterprises (NUCAFE), a farmer-owned organization. Mr. Nkandu Joseph, CEO and founder of NUCAFE Grading Limited, guided the delegation through Uganda’s coffee value chain—from harvest to export. He highlighted NUCAFE’s export successes to the UAE and the Netherlands, supported by their strategic partner Famunera, based in Abu Dhabi.
Later that day, the delegation proceeded to the Masubi Farm Avocado Oil Processing Factory, a cutting-edge facility producing 8 tons of avocado oil daily. With a focus on European markets like Italy and Spain, the factory plays a vital role in local community development by sourcing directly from farmers, distributing seedlings, and offering environmental education through the Masubi Texol Gardening Project.
On Day Four, the team toured Kakira Sugar Limited, one of Uganda’s oldest and most influential agro-industrial enterprises. The General Manager showcased the company’s community contributions, including the ownership of schools, a 100-bed hospital, and a charitable NGO offering scholarships. The delegation observed the sugar production line, which still operates machinery from 1930 and features an in-house power generation plant producing 45 megawatts daily—13 MW for internal use and 32 MW for national grid export.
That evening concluded with an Executive Dinner at the Source of the Nile Hotel, hosted by H.E. Zaake Kibedi and attended by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama. In her address, the Deputy Prime Minister warmly welcomed the UAE investors and emphasized the abundant investment opportunities across Jinja City and Uganda.
On Day Five, the delegation visited Musubi Farm, located in Musubi village, Mayuge district, along the picturesque shores of Lake Victoria. Founded in 2023 by Mr. Abaas, the 2,500-acre farm leads Uganda’s Hass Avocado revolution. In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the farm promotes sustainable avocado cultivation and oil production by supplying seedlings to farmers.
Throughout the mission, the delegation will also participate in the 31st National Agricultural Exhibition in Jinja, a key platform where farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, and policymakers converge to exchange knowledge and showcase technological innovations. The exhibition enables the UAE investors to interact directly with local farmers and witness firsthand the latest agricultural technologies driving productivity in Uganda.
The UAE delegation’s visit is centered on exploring business and investment opportunities within Uganda’s dynamic agricultural landscape. The mission will conclude with targeted engagements involving key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the agriculture sector, as well as strategic institutions like the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and the Uganda Free Zones Authority.
By facilitating direct engagements and field visits, this mission is laying the foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships, increased value-added exports, and the advancement of sustainable agricultural development between Uganda and the UAE.
