Private Sector, Government, and Diplomats Drive Regional Trade Agenda under New Economic Diplomacy
The Uganda–Kenya Trade and Investment Mission officially commenced on 6th July 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kampala, under the coordination of the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa, led by Consul-General, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya. The four-day mission runs until 9th July 2025 and has attracted a powerful delegation of public sector institutions, private companies, and high-level diplomats from both Uganda and Kenya.
Uganda’s Consul-General in Mombasa, Amb. Paul Mukumbya, was applauded for his progressive and business-oriented diplomatic approach, which places trade and economic development at the heart of his mission. Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Joash Maangi, praised this shift, stating, “This is diplomacy that delivers results — Uganda’s economy is gaining because of the Ambassador’s deliberate engagement with the business community.”
Amb. Mukumbya also expressed appreciation to Mr. Samora Marcel, who led the Kenyan private sector delegation, for raising both opportunities and practical challenges in cross-border trade. He further acknowledged the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa’s active engagement with people on the ground, which, he noted, “creates the kind of confidence and business environment that investors look for.”
Kenyan private sector players, impressed with Uganda’s openness, called for the establishment of a Government of Uganda liaison office to ease trade facilitation and communication, while also encouraging fellow Kenyans to pursue resolution through government engagement rather than street demonstrations.
A statement was delivered by Amb. Richard Kabonero, head of Regional Economic Cooperation, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Vincent Bagiire. He extended warm appreciation to Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, for taking time out of his tight schedule to support the mission. Ambassador Kabonero emphasized Uganda’s long-standing commitment to economic diplomacy and regional integration.
“This mission is not just an event — it is a deliberate investment in Uganda’s future. We are determined to position Uganda not only as a trade hub but as a reliable, peaceful, and predictable partner,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued support for initiatives led by Uganda’s consular network abroad and emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral ties with Kenya.
Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, in his keynote address, focused on the forum’s theme: “Promoting Intra-East African Trade and Investment for Economic Development.”
He challenged the East African Community member States to confront the low levels of intra-regional trade — just 16%, compared to 67% within the EU — and called on governments and private sector players to actively break down trade barriers. He applauded the Government of Uganda for enabling peace and supporting trade missions, noting that “Peace is the foundation of commerce, investment, and growth.”
He closed his remarks with a visionary message:
“The future of East Africa must be made in East Africa, for East Africans.”
The day featured engaging presentations from key Ugandan institutions, including:
- Ministry of Works and Transport (on freight and logistics opportunities)
- Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
- Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)
- Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)
- Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)
- Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB)
- Uganda Free Zones Authority (UFZA)
All these bodies issued a call for enhanced collaboration with Kenyan counterparts and showcased Uganda’s improved investment climate, digitization of processes, and regulatory reforms.
Additionally, the day included B2B (Business-to-Business) and G2G (Government-to-Government) meetings across strategic sectors such as:
- Agro-Industry
- Services
- Manufacturing
- Real Estate
A lively Q&A session followed, allowing Kenyan investors to express their appreciation for Uganda’s openness and to offer constructive feedback.
The trade mission continues with a courtesy visit to the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority offices and a tour of the Entebbe Free Zone. Delegates will also visit the cargo section at Entebbe International Airport and enjoy a Kampala city tour to experience Uganda’s dynamic commercial and cultural environment.
This mission demonstrates the strength of Uganda–Kenya relations, the growing value of economic diplomacy, and the power of private-public cooperation in shaping the future of East African trade.
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