The inaugural Uganda-Czech Business Forum, organized by the Uganda Embassy in Berlin in collaboration with the Czech Chamber of Commerce, kicked off on October 3, 2024, in Prague, Czech Republic.
The two-day forum, held under the theme “Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment: Harnessing Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth,” aims to enhance trade relations and attract investment into Uganda.
The forum was officially opened by Mrs. Jana Havrdova, Vice President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, alongside Amb. Danny Mayanja Ssozi, Deputy Head of Mission at the Uganda Embassy in Berlin. Day one of the event featured a plenary session and coffee cupping, while day two is set to include visits to farms and companies.
Amb. Ssozi, in his opening remarks, praised the Czech Chamber of Commerce for partnering to organize the forum.
He highlighted Uganda’s vast investment potential, encouraging Czech investors to explore opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, ICT, and tourism. “Uganda offers fertile ground for investment across diverse sectors,” he noted.
Mrs. Havrdova expressed enthusiasm for the forum, stating, “Uganda is a new and exciting market for us. We appreciate the cooperation from the Ugandan Embassy in Berlin and the opportunity to introduce Uganda to Czech businesses. With a population nearing 50 million and a capital city of about 8 million, Uganda offers significant economic potential.”
Mrs. Susan Muhwezi, Senior Presidential Advisor and Chairlady of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, called on European investors to capitalize on Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industry, citing the country’s natural beauty and strategic location. “By investing in Uganda, you not only gain access to a lucrative market but also contribute to the sustainable development of one of Africa’s most promising tourism sectors,” she stated.
The forum emphasized the importance of strengthening Uganda-Czech trade relations, with discussions focused on formulating Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and organizing future trade and investment missions. Both nations seek to escalate their bilateral engagement for mutual economic benefit.
Key Ugandan delegates included Mrs. Susan Muhwezi, Mr. Bagonza Mohammed (Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Matters), Mr. Kakuru Phillip Kwijuka (Senior Presidential Advisor on Trade), and members of the Ugandan diaspora in the Czech Republic. The Czech delegation comprised members of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Czech Chamber of Commerce.
