In a step towards strengthening Uganda’s trade and export potential, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, this afternoon officially commissioned the Uganda Connect Trade Hub at Entebbe International Airport. The hub, strategically located within the airport, has been fully furnished with a variety of Ugandan products, including coffee, matooke-based products, arts, and crafts.
The Uganda Connect Trade Hub serves as a showcase of the country’s unique products, designed to create global market opportunities and provide international visitors with a firsthand experience of Uganda’s offerings. Speaking at the commissioning, Hon. Mwebesa emphasized the importance of promoting Uganda’s products to a global audience and leveraging the airport’s position as a gateway to the world.
“This initiative is a clear declaration that Uganda is present in the global market. It provides an opportunity for travelers to explore our culture, taste our coffee, and appreciate our crafts before they leave the country,” Hon. Mwebesa remarked.
The event also featured speeches from key stakeholders, including Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), and Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID).
Fred Bamwesigye highlighted the broader vision for the trade hub, noting that this milestone builds on previous efforts to enhance Uganda’s export capacity. He outlined plans to establish similar hubs at regional airports to ensure Uganda’s products reach even wider audiences.
“Our vision includes creating trade hubs near regional airports to showcase authentic, localized Ugandan products. This aligns with our strategy to support exporters and connect Uganda to global markets,” Bamwesigye said.
Odrek Rwabwogo highlighted the importance of the hub in addressing historical challenges faced by Uganda in gaining recognition in global markets. He emphasized the need for strategic linkages between production and market demands to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives.
“This trade hub represents a shift. It’s the first step in building recognition for Uganda’s products and creating essential market linkages. Visitors can now trace our products back to their origins, connect with trade representatives, and initiate orders,” Rwabwogo stated.
The initiative has also attracted international attention, with representatives from Nigeria and Serbia attending the event to explore trade opportunities. The Serbian delegation, in particular, expressed interest in fostering partnerships with Ugandan exporters.
The Uganda Connect Trade Hub forms part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Hon. Mwebesa, who recently attended AfCFTA discussions, reiterated Uganda’s readiness to collaborate with regional and international partners to expand trade opportunities.
“This hub is a step forward in positioning Uganda as a serious player in global trade. With platforms like AfCFTA, we are ready to strengthen partnerships and showcase the best of what our country has to offer,” Hon. Mwebesa affirmed.
The event concluded with a call to action for exporters to seize the opportunities presented by the hub and expand its offerings to include more high-quality products that meet international standards.
The Uganda Connect Trade Hub is now open to visitors, serving as a gateway to Uganda’s rich culture and a platform to elevate the country’s products on the global stage.
