Col. Edith Nakalema (R), Swedish Ambassador Anna-Maria Olsson (M), and Lotta Segerström, the Swedish Embassy’s Head of Political, Economic and Commercial Affairs shortly after the meeting
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Sweden is eying Uganda Energy, Transport Investment Opportunities as the two countries seek to deepen commercial ties, with Swedish investors being encouraged to explore Uganda’s growing prospects in energy, transport, agro-processing, tourism, minerals, technology and innovation.
The discussions took place on September 23, 2026, when Swedish Ambassador to Uganda Anna-Maria Olsson visited the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) together with the Embassy’s Head of Political, Economic and Commercial Affairs, Lotta Segerström.
The meeting focused on strengthening investor protection, addressing challenges faced by foreign businesses and identifying areas where Swedish companies can expand their commercial presence in Uganda.
Col. Edith Nakalema, the head of SHIPU, assured Swedish investors that Uganda has mechanisms aimed at protecting investments and facilitating access to government institutions.
“We are committed to creating an investment environment where investors can conduct their due diligence early, access the right government institutions and receive coordinated support throughout their investment journey,” Col. Nakalema said.
Energy, transport opportunities
Energy and transport emerged as two of the key sectors where Sweden sees potential for increased commercial engagement with Uganda.
For Swedish companies, opportunities in Uganda’s energy sector include investment in electricity generation and distribution, renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency and other technologies that can support the country’s expanding industrial and urban economy.
Transport also offers opportunities as Uganda continues to invest in infrastructure intended to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and support regional commerce.
Ambassador Olsson said trade and business remain important components of the bilateral relationship, with economic diplomacy forming a central pillar of Sweden’s engagement with Uganda.
She identified energy and transport among the sectors where Sweden sees potential for increased commercial cooperation.
Focus on Technology, agro-processing
Col. Nakalema also urged Swedish companies to look beyond traditional sectors and consider Uganda’s opportunities in technology and innovation.
“We also see significant opportunities to work with Sweden on technologies and innovations that can support sustainable employment and skills development for Uganda’s young population,” she said.
Uganda is promoting Agro-processing, Tourism, Minerals, and Science and Technology under its ATMS priorities, with the aim of increasing production, value addition and employment.
Agro-processing presents opportunities for Swedish investors to participate in value addition to Uganda’s agricultural output, while the minerals sector offers prospects linked to mineral exploration, processing and related technologies.
Tourism and hospitality are also potential areas for investment as Uganda seeks to increase the value generated from its natural and cultural attractions.
Digital protection for investors
Nakalema said SHIPU is working to remove administrative bottlenecks that can frustrate investors by coordinating ministries, departments and government agencies to provide timely support.
She demonstrated the Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP), a digital platform designed to help investors conduct due diligence and connect with relevant government agencies before committing their resources.
The system is intended to give investors better access to information and help them navigate Uganda’s public institutions.
Sweden’s creative economy
Ambassador Olsson also pointed to Sweden’s creative industries as another area where Uganda could learn and collaborate.
She noted that Sweden exports about US$500 million in creative arts annually, arguing that nurturing talent and investing in the creative economy could open additional opportunities for Uganda’s young population.
Olsson also outlined Sweden’s “Team Sweden” approach, which brings together the Swedish Embassy, Business Sweden, Sida, Swedfund and Sweden’s export financing system to support private-sector-led growth.
