More than 150 business leaders, investors, policymakers and private-sector players from 10 countries have gathered in Kampala to explore trade and investment opportunities in Uganda.
The delegation is in the country as part of the 2026 Uganda Trade and Investment Roadshow organised by Equity Group, which aims to connect Ugandan businesses with regional and international investors, markets and financing.
The four-day Uganda leg, which runs until 16 September, is focusing on sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, trade and the coffee value chain.
Speaking at the opening of the roadshow at Marriott Hotel Kampala on Monday, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Sanjay Tanna said Uganda needs to increase value addition if it is to create more jobs and improve household incomes.
He said the country’s young population, natural resources, strategic location and access to regional markets give it a strong foundation for economic growth.
Tanna, however, urged businesses to move away from exporting raw materials and instead invest in processing and manufacturing.
He identified agro-processing, minerals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, construction materials and ICT as some of the sectors offering significant investment opportunities.
“We are here to celebrate Equity and the role it has played in transforming the way banking is done,” Tanna said.
He also challenged Equity Bank to extend its support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises beyond major urban centres.
“Equity Bank built its foundation by lifting micro-enterprises in Kenya; we invite them to replicate that same grassroots model in rural Uganda to build the capacity of our local traders,” he added.
Tanna said Government was willing to work with financial institutions to address challenges facing investors, including the high cost of capital and other barriers that limit business expansion.
Equity Bank Uganda Executive Director Claver Serumaga said the bank’s role goes beyond providing loans, noting that businesses also need access to markets, technology, capital and strategic partnerships.
“Uganda does not lack opportunity; what we need is to connect that opportunity to the right capital, markets, technology and partnerships,” Serumaga said.
Cooperatives Hon. Sanjay Tanna appreciating the Ministry for its contribution to the Trade and Investment Roadshow 2026. This was at the Marriot Hotel on Monday 14-09-2026.
He said the roadshow was designed to turn business discussions into actual partnerships, transactions and investments, with particular attention to agriculture, coffee, manufacturing and technology.
One of the key activities will be a Uganda Coffee Value Chain Roundtable, bringing together major international players such as Neumann Kaffee Gruppe and Volcafe, alongside Ugandan businesses and other players in the coffee industry.
The visiting delegates will also tour several Ugandan businesses and production sites, including Zigoti Coffee Farm, JNL Industries and Roofings Uganda Limited, to gain a closer look at the country’s productive sectors.
Equity Group Associate Director of Trade Relations Mahvish Malik said the roadshows are intended to give businesses direct access to potential partners rather than simply discussing investment opportunities.
She said Equity uses business and government engagements, sector visits and market linkages to help companies identify investment, sourcing and partnership opportunities.
The Kampala forum also featured a panel discussion on Uganda’s investment opportunities, trade policies and business environment. Panellists included Georgina Mugerwa, Assistant Commissioner for Multilateral Trade; Dr Cosmas Mwikirize, Head of Industrial Value Chains Innovation; and Ronnie Mulongo, a private-sector founder, senior leader and project director.
After completing the Uganda leg on 16 September, the delegation will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the next phase of the roadshow.
