The Uganda Connect International Buyers Week is currently underway at Speke Resort Munyonyo, bringing together global buyers, investors and top Ugandan exporters in a push to boost the country’s export capacity and market visibility.
The high-level event, running from 25–28 November 2025 is organized by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) under the theme “Meet. Connect. Trade.”
The Buyers Week aims to position Uganda as a competitive and dependable supplier of premium products and services to international markets. Delegations are participating in B2B meetings, factory tours, product sampling sessions, and direct trade negotiations intended to elevate Uganda’s export footprint.
PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo said the ongoing event demonstrates Uganda’s determination to link its exporters directly to global demand.
“We treat Uganda as a company, and every company must have a strong sales and marketing department,” he said.
He added,“This Buyers Week shows what a country can achieve when demand increases. We are targeting USD 1 billion in export contracts.”
President Museveni’s message was delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, urging, “Turn interest into actual orders and orders into enduring partnerships.”
President Museveni said the Buyers Week was not merely an exhibition but a strategic platform to deepen Uganda’s integration into global value chains.
“The main focus of this week is to consolidate efforts aimed at turning interest into actual orders and orders into enduring partnerships that can result in jobs and incomes for our people,”Museveni’s message read.
He highlighted Uganda’s competitive advantages, including a young, educated population, year-round agricultural potential, improved infrastructure, and strong political stability.
He also praised the rise of key export sectors such as coffee, dairy, gold, and horticulture, revealing that Uganda earned $5.23 billion in exports in the first half of 2025 alone.
He said that coffee continues to show strong earnings while dairy output reached 5.4 billion litres by the end of 2024, with new markets emerging in Nigeria and Algeria.
Matthew Bagonza, PACEID Head of Secretariat, noted that the activities at Munyonyo reflect a practical transformation of Uganda’s export potential into structured and sustainable partnerships.
“This event showcases our export-ready products and services to the world. It is a clear expression of our mission of turning production capacity into real market access,” he said.
This year’s edition has introduced the Uganda Connect Marketplace, an open-access platform at the resort where selected Ugandan brands are exhibiting their products through live demonstrations and consumer engagement.
PACEID Director of Markets, Ms. Brenda Katarikawe Opus said the event’s ongoing engagements are helping to enhance market access by addressing barriers faced by exporters and strengthening buyer confidence in Uganda’s quality standards. She added that discussions with international delegates are generating valuable market intelligence to guide future export strategies.
With more than 100 Ugandan suppliers, over 20 vetted international buyers and at least 50 export-ready products showcased, the event is expected to unlock significant trade and investment opportunities valued at approximately USD 1 billion.
Prof. Rev. Florence Muranga, Director General of PIBID, praised PACEID for designing platforms that allow Ugandan exporters to diversify and expand their global reach. She also applauded President Museveni for supporting initiatives that grow non-traditional exports.
The Buyers Week is part of the Uganda Connect Model, a long-term strategy aimed at promoting exports, attracting foreign investment, and building durable confidence in Ugandan products through traceability, branding excellence, and continuous engagement.
The exhibitions and matchmaking sessions have received strong backing from several corporate sponsors, including Afri Shamba Ventures, Great Lakes Coffee, Kikobero Coffee, Ug Exim, Pure Grow Africa, The Edge Trading, Funzo Coffee, Arise Kollections, AGRA, Endiro Coffee, Intracom Fertilizers SMC Ug Ltd, Bunga Leisure Gardens, and Housing Finance Bank.
