GIBF Delegation Visit

The Global India Business Forum successfully organized a business delegation to the Republic of Uganda from September 21^st to 24^th, 2024. Founder and Global President, Dr. Jitendra Joshi and Co-founder and Secretary General, Deepali Gadkari led the delegation.
On 21^st September, they explored the capital city. On 22^nd September, the delegation visited the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
On September 23^rd, the Indian business delegation met the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). Investment Executive of UIA, Sarah Nassimbwa, presented Uganda's investment opportunities particularly in the edible oil, electronics and pharmaceutical sectors. Dusabe Alice Molly, Officer – Domestic Taxes, Uganda Revenue Authority; Sarah Mbeiza Kalifa Lubwama, Principal Engineer/UIA Liaison Officer – National Water and Sewage Cooperation were also present.
The delegation then met the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. Agnes Nakafeero, Commercial Officer, shared valuable information about the ministry’s work and objectives. They also interacted with Gen. WM Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives; Joshua Mutambi – Commissioner - Processing and Marketing; and Under Secretary of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Alfred Oyo Andima.
The delegation had a fruitful session with the Ministry of Works and Transport when senior engineer Magala Godfrey briefed them about the department and possible business opportunities. On September 24^th, 2024, they visited the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ayebazibwe Mariat, Membership Officer gave a presentation about the Chamber and possible collaborations. The GIBF team also showed a presentation about the objectives, the work and plans of GIBF, including bilateral trade opportunities. The delegation had discussions with Okwalinga Moses, Secretary General of the UNCCI regarding business opportunities. A Memorandum of Understanding between GIBF and UNCCI is underway. They also met Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA).
The delegation met the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. Senior Agribusiness Officer at the ministry, Hosea Kizimula, informed about the possible investment opportunities in the sector. Okanya Boniface, Project Engineer MAAIF, Commissioner - Agriculture, Infrastructure, Mechanisation, Irrigation and Water for Agriculture Production gave details about the sector and how trade could be facilitated between the two countries. Henry Nakelet Opolot, Commissioner – Agricultural Extension and Skills Management; Major General David Kasura-Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary – MAAIF also had productive interaction with the delegation.
They met the High Commissioner of India to Uganda, H.E. Upender Singh Rawat. The final meeting was with the Indian Business Association comprising the Indian business community in Uganda.

Forty business leaders participated in the summit that discussed business opportunities in sectors like agriculture, IT and ITES, energy, leather, chemicals, plastics and tourism. The esteemed dignitaries of the UIA included Margaret L. Kyogire, Deputy High Commissioner, Uganda High Commission; Naima Obombasa, Uganda Investment Authority Board Member and Richard Nuwenyesiga, Deputy Director - Innovation, Science and Technology Development at Uganda Investment Authority. Also present were Sanjiv Ramanlal Patel, Director of Tomil Group of Companies and the oldest Indian in Uganda, and Dr. Amol Shinde, Private Secretary to Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra and Private Secretary to Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare. On behalf of GIBF, Vaishali Badle, the marketing head and manager Suvarna Gawade were present for the summit.
Ms. Margaret introduced Uganda and its investment opportunities in the country. Ms. Naima while informing about the opportunities and government schemes for foreign direct investment said that Uganda is a haven for investments.
“India has contributed significantly towards Uganda’s economic growth and development. Today, India ranks second as Uganda’s biggest source of Uganda’s FDI. We hope to attract more investments. Major areas of interest are manufacturing, agriculture, construction, real estate, healthcare and education. This should give assurance to all our brothers and sisters from India that Uganda is an attractive investment destination and we hope to attract more investment,” Ms. Naima said. She spoke about the Uganda government’s commitment in improving Uganda’s business environment with its investment security, reliable electricity, improved roads and other infrastructure developments. “These will open doors for preferential treatment,” she said. Ms. Naima assured all the support from her government to Indian investors.
Mr. Sanjiv, while speaking about his experience in Uganda said, “Uganda is a zero default country. If you invest in India, you will get the returns in two years.”