Delegates that turned up for the summit pause for a photo
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The unveiling of the highly anticipated Uganda Airline’s direct flight to London Gatwick will revolutionalise Uganda-UK trade relations and boost trade, officials have said.
Ramathan Ggoobi, the permanent secretary, ministry of Finance and economic Planning said the launch will be a game changer.
“The upcoming Uganda Airlines direct route to London effective May 18,2025 will ease logistical barriers and boost trade, tourism and investment,” he said.
The PSST, Ggoobi delivering a keynote speech
He was delivering a keynote address earlier today at the Uganda-UK Trade and Business Forum at Sheraton hotel, Kampala.
He invited UK investors to explore these opportunities and partner with local entrepreneurs who bring invaluable market insight.
Ggoobi, who is also the Secretary to the Treasury, added that the business community, as well as investors should leverage opportunities created by expansion of Uganda Airlines to support the 10-fold growth agenda of expanding Uganda’s economy to USD 500 billion by 2040.
“The resilient currency, stable macro-economic environment, fully liberalised economy, rich biodiversity as well as the good climate, abundant food, skilled labour and high growth rates makes Uganda a standout destination for investment and tourism,” he said.
Participants in the Uganda-UK Trade and Business Forum that took place at Sheraton hotel in Kampala
He further noted that Uganda’s long standing partnership with UK has significantly supported Uganda’s growth, adding that UK as the leading source of foreign direct investment has injected over $1.3 billion into Uganda between 2020 and 2024.
Ggoobi said Uganda’s growth fuels demand for intermediate goods and services, aligning with the UK’s advanced services sector which drives over 50% of its exports.
“Uganda’s economy is on track to achieve growth of 6.4% by end of FY 2024/25,” he said, adding that Uganda’s export portfolio has diversified over the last 15 years, adding 31 new products like ceramics and light manufactured goods.
