Buganda Delegation Visits Dubai

High powered delegation from Buganda visits Dubai for meetings with Dubai's business community organised by Africa Business Pages

A high-powered delegation from Uganda visited Dubai recently to meet members of the Ugandan diaspora and the local business community. Led by Prime Minister of Buganda, HH Charles Peter Mayigo, the delegation included Dr. Ben Kiwanuka Mukwaya, Minister of Health, Charles Bwenvu, Minister of State for Buganda's Affairs Abroad, Ritah Namyalo Kisitu, Minister of State for Tourism as well as an entourage of journalists and reporters from Ugandan press and television channels.

Africa Business Pages magazine and Africa Business Pages (africa-business.com) - one of the main sponsors and organisers of the event - arranged special meetings with prominent businesses in Dubai and the visiting delegation from Uganda. "The visiting delegation headed by Prime Minister of Buganda, HH Charles Peter Mayiga were happy to meet members of the Dubai business community," said N. Hasan, Associate Editor of Africa Business Pages Magazine. "By connecting the business community of Dubai with the high-powered delegation of ministers and accompanying press entourage we aim to further consolidate direct business-to-business contacts between Uganda and Dubai," he said.

“Uganda remains one of the most attractive destinations in Africa, due to its fast economic growth over the last few years, despite the global financial crisis, as well as its liberal external trade policy. We are delighted to welcome the delegation from Uganda, and honoured to host the Prime Minister of Buganda, His Highness Charles Peter Mayiga,” he said.

Uganda’s economy has seen stable growth over the past few years, averaging 6% per annum and with expectations of reaching 7% for the period of 2020-2025, according to a report from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. The report lists motor vehicles as the third major import product globally, accounting for around 5% of total imports.

Uganda’s automotive industry’s growth, as in other countries in the region, has been spurred by a healthy construction sector, which has generated demand for trucks and heavy vehicles. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce recently reported that nearly 10% of Uganda’s total imports originate from the UAE, with vehicle parts and accessories reaching approximately USD 6.5 million in 2019.

“As one of the largest suppliers of goods and services to Uganda, the United Arab Emirates is clearly a favoured trade partner. Companies are continuing to seek regional partnerships with well-known, trusted suppliers,” said HH Charles Peter Mayiga, Prime Minister of the Buganda Kingdom.

N. Hasan, associate editor of the Africa Business Pages magazine and founder of the award-winning African B2B portal, Africa Business Pages (africa-business.com) introduced the Ugandan delegation to prominent members of Dubai’s business community including the Al Habtoor Group, one of the largest business groups in the UAE. The delegation also visited the offices EPOC Messe Frankfurt in Dubai, one of the world’s largest exhibition organisers. The delegation also visited Al Muqarram Auto Parts LLC (A-MAP), one of the leading exporters of automotive parts, tyres and lubricants in Dubai.

Uganda’s economic performance has not gone unnoticed by other sectors in the UAE, with Etihad Cargo, the freight business of UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways, recently announcing a new weekly flight between Abu Dhabi and Entebbe. Emirates Airlines also reported an overwhelming increase in traffic on its Dubai-Entebbe sector, which provided yet another strong indicator of growing trade relations between the two countries.