In a significant development for Uganda’s business landscape, the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda (BCCU) has officially launched, marking a new chapter in the economic partnership between Uganda and the United Kingdom. The launch event, held at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kampala on 18 September 2024, was attended by business leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders from both nations (Department for Business and Trade Uganda and British High Commission Kampala, 2024).
Enhancing UK-Uganda Trade Relations
The BCCU has been established to foster stronger trade links and investment between the UK and Uganda, offering a range of services to help UK businesses in Uganda prosper. These services include business advocacy, networking opportunities, and educational seminars, designed to benefit businesses of all sizes. British High Commissioner H.E. Kate Airey OBE highlighted the importance of collective efforts in her speech:
“As the economic and investment environment becomes more challenging, we need to unite as a business community. Individually, our voices may be small, but together, we can drive Uganda’s growth” (Department for Business and Trade Uganda and British High Commission Kampala, 2024).
The Chamber will focus on key sectors, such as climate, energy, agriculture, and healthcare, reflecting the UK’s significant investments in these areas. The UK has long been a major investor in Uganda’s development, and the BCCU aims to strengthen these ties by providing members with access to government connections and trade opportunities in both countries (Department for Business and Trade Uganda and British High Commission Kampala, 2024).
A Platform for Business Success
Sanjay Rughani, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank and a founding member of the BCCU, expressed enthusiasm about the Chamber’s potential:
“We want to be the trusted voice of British business in Uganda, advocating for our members’ interests and contributing to the economic prosperity of both nations” (Department for Business and Trade Uganda and British High Commission Kampala, 2024).
Membership in the Chamber offers several exclusive benefits, including invitations to networking events, briefings on trade issues, and access to trade delegations. Members also gain entry to events hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce in London, providing a unique opportunity to further business ties between the two countries (Department for Business and Trade Uganda and British High Commission Kampala, 2024).
Government Support for Economic Transformation
The Ugandan government has long prioritized trade and investment as critical drivers of its economic transformation, a point emphasized by Henry Musasizi, Uganda’s Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (General Duties), during his address at the launch. He praised the Chamber for its potential to connect businesses and brands from both Uganda and the UK, noting the UK’s role as a key development partner in Uganda’s economic growth (Department for Business and Trade Uganda and British High Commission Kampala, 2024).
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda, both nations are set to benefit from stronger trade links and enhanced investment opportunities. The BCCU will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of UK-Uganda business relations, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and shared economic success.
For more information about the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda and its membership options, visit the BCCU Uganda website or contact Katie Crosby at the British High Commission in Kampala.
References
Department for Business and Trade Uganda and British High Commission Kampala, 2024. British Chamber of Commerce opens office in Uganda to promote trade & investment. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-chamber-of-commerce-opens-office-in-uganda-to-promote-trade-investment [Accessed 18 September 2024].