Uganda has launched a major economic diplomacy push in the Middle East, showcasing the “Naturally Uganda, Naturally Organic” brand at the prestigious Organic and Natural Expo in Dubai.
This initiative, driven by the Uganda Mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), aims to tap into the UAE’s lucrative market for high-quality, sustainable, and organic products.
A high-level Ugandan delegation of 27 participants, led by Hon. Bright Rwamirama Kanyontore, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, and Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, the Permanent Secretary of MAAIF, spearheaded the mission.
The team included crucial organic-product exhibitors and agribusiness entrepreneurs. Their primary objective was to promote premium organic products, explore new export opportunities, and strengthen market linkages across the Gulf region.
Organic Quality Wins Praise in Dubai
The Uganda Pavilion immediately drew high-profile attention on the opening day, hosting distinguished guests led by H.E. Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
His Excellency and his delegation engaged directly with the Ugandan exhibitors and expressed deep appreciation for the products on display, particularly coffee and honey.
These two products were celebrated for their purity, flavour, and exceptional organic quality, reinforcing Uganda’s reputation as a source of premium, naturally grown goods.
Certification and Value Addition
Recognising the stringent demands of the Gulf markets, the MAAIF delegation held a strategic courtesy call with the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai, meeting with the Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Aisa Ismail, and Counsellor Erina Zalwango.
Their key discussions focused on overcoming hurdles and maximising export potential through:
Branding and Packaging: Improving the visual appeal and quality of export packaging to meet international retail standards.
Value Addition: Boosting local agro-processing capacity to export finished or semi-finished goods, rather than raw materials.
Certification Standards: Ensuring Ugandan exports meet the rigorous Halal and organic certification standards mandatory for entry into the Gulf markets.
The meeting solidified the joint commitment of the MAAIF and the Uganda Mission to support local producers in meeting these international quality benchmarks and scaling up their export footprint.
UAE Investment Reflects Growing Confidence
Uganda’s relationship with the UAE extends far beyond trade. Recent data reveal that UAE Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Uganda has reached approximately USD 3.5 billion, spanning several key sectors, including agribusiness.
These substantial investments thus reflect growing confidence in Uganda’s agricultural potential, particularly in value-added agriculture and agro-processing.
Uganda’s enthusiastic participation in the Organic and Natural Expo underscores its readiness to deepen this economic partnership, especially within the high-growth organic and agribusiness sectors.