The Ugandan embassy in Qatar has successfully hosted the Second Edition of the Uganda–Qatar Business Forum at Rotana City Center, Doha, under the theme “Uganda and Qatar in Partnership for Shared Economic Development.”
The high-level event brought together senior government officials, investors, and private-sector leaders from both countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism.
Presiding over the forum, Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, Permanent Secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to advancing economic and commercial diplomacy as a driver of growth.
“Uganda’s doors are open to investors who share our vision for sustainable growth,” Mr. Bagiire said. “Our country offers vast opportunities in agro-industrialization, manufacturing, tourism, and infrastructure—backed by a youthful workforce, political stability, and access to a regional market of over 300 million people.”
He commended the Ugandan Embassy in Doha for strengthening Uganda’s international investment profile and urged participants to translate discussions into tangible partnerships that generate jobs and mutual prosperity.
In his remarks, Dr. Stephen Chebrot, Uganda’s Ambassador to Qatar, emphasized that the forum underscores Uganda’s expanding engagement with Qatar through commercial diplomacy. He noted that the initiative seeks to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism.
A panel discussion featuring representatives from the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB), and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) showcased Uganda’s investment incentives and sectoral opportunities. The agencies also promoted Uganda’s tourism potential under the “Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa” brand.
Mr. Mohammed Massami, Chairman of KON Group, highlighted the encouraging growth in bilateral trade, noting that Uganda’s exports to Qatar rose from USD 20 million to USD 34 million over the past decade, while Qatar’s exports to Uganda increased from USD 17 million to USD 26 million.
“This growth shows how our partnership has evolved from ideas to action, now supported by increased weekly flights between Uganda and Qatar,” Mr. Massami said.
He also applauded the diplomatic progress leading to the forthcoming establishment of the embassy of the State of Qatar in Uganda, calling it a “new chapter of cooperation and shared prosperity.”
The Uganda–Qatar Business Forum continues to serve as a key platform for enhancing economic diplomacy, promoting trade and investment, and fostering sustainable partnerships between the two nations.
