UK–Uganda Summit 2025: Building trade partnerships for sustainable growth

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OPINION

By Dennis Katungi

The 15th UK–Uganda Business, Trade & Investment Summit opened today at the prestigious Royal Horseguards Hotel, bringing together over 500 delegates from government, finance, and industry. Themed ‘Accelerating Growth Through Partnerships for Global Market Expansion,’ the summit serves as a premier platform to strengthen commercial, diplomatic, and investment ties between the United Kingdom and African markets.

Key sectors under focus include energy transition, infrastructure, agribusiness, finance, ICT, fintech, and industrialisation. Sessions highlight opportunities for UK and global investors in high-growth areas, supported by policy stability, regional integration through AfCFTA, and investment-ready projects.

Willy Mutenza, Founder & Chairman of the Summit, remarked: “This year we sharpen our focus on practical solutions that link capital to growth sectors, showcase bankable projects, and connect UK investors with viable opportunities across Africa.”

The Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda, Prof. Nuwagaba, indicated that Uganda received $1.42 billion in remittances – nearly 3% of GDP, indicating the Diaspora's growing financial strength. Soon, he said, Bank of Uganda will open a diaspora bond that could redirect funds into key infrastructure rather than consumption.

Today’s session featured keynote dialogues, interviews, and panels tackling financing models, green growth, digital trade, and industrial transformation.  Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga spoke about East African integration and expanded regional markets such as COMESA.

Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, gave an overview of the Oil & Gas as well as the Minerals sector, inviting investors to explore opportunities available in these nascent but fast-growing sectors of Uganda’s economy.

The summit was attended by high-level Government leaders from Uganda as well as the UK. Gen. David Muhozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, as well as the Minister of Trade & Cooperatives, Hon. Mwebesa, led their teams to the summit. Lord Dolar Popat, former UK Trade Envoy to the E.African region and now member of the House of Lords, as well as  Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of Ruparelia Group, were in attendance and made substantial contributions on the business outlook in Uganda as they see it.

Gen. David Muhoozi, Deputy Minister Internal Affairs, Speaking at UK Fair in September 2025. (Courtesy)

Dennis Katungi (right) with Amb. Philip Rukikaire (left), Dep. High Commissioner to UK. (Courtesy)

It is expected that by the close of business tomorrow, deals will be closed and trade policy recommendations will be inked.

This year’s summit carried a sharper message: business must be practical, partnerships must be measurable, and investments must deliver impact. Delegates from over 20 countries engaged in robust discussions on energy, industrialisation, digital trade, agribusiness and global geopolitics.

Conference Delegates. (Courtesy)

Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba’s keynote on Uganda’s foreign direct investment reforms, highlighting how industrial parks, policy stability, and regional access make Uganda a compelling destination, stood out.

Panels brought depth to financing Africa’s growth, where DFIs, banks, and private capital examined how blended finance and digital trade could unlock new corridors of investment. East Africa’s digital innovation story was equally prominent, with fintech leaders and policymakers showcasing scalable solutions for inclusive growth.

The summit moves into the second day on September 13, 2025, concluding with the grand silver service gala Lunch at the House of Lords – hosted by Lord Rami Ranger – cementing its reputation as the UK’s premier Africa-focused annual investment gathering.

The writer is the Deputy Executive Director – Uganda Media Centre @Dennis_Katungi