Officials releasing PACEID is also releasing PACEID's Half-Year Performance Report (January–June 2026) on Wednesday in Kampala.
Kampala, Uganda | July 15, 2026 — The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has today officially announced the Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week (UCIBW) 2026, during a press briefing at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, in Kampala. The announcement launches Uganda’s flagship international trade promotion programme, which will take place from 9–15 November 2026 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo, under the theme “MEET. CONNECT. TRADE.”
The week-long event will bring together verified international buyers, investors, Trade Representatives, exporters, development partners and government agencies to create new export opportunities for Ugandan businesses through business-to-business meetings, investment roundtables, sector-specific deal rooms, factory visits, product demonstrations and tourism experiences. The initiative is designed to expand market access, generate export contracts, strengthen buyer confidence in Uganda’s production capacity and position the country as a preferred destination for trade, investment and tourism.
Building on the success of the 2025 Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week, which generated more than USD 1.5 million in export contracts, the 2026 edition seeks to increase participation of verified international buyers, Ugandan exporters, business-to-business meetings, with a target of facilitating at least 20 export transactions worth over USD 3 million.
Speaking at the announcement, PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo said the Buyers’ Week reflects Uganda’s commitment to building markets before production.
“The prosperity of any nation begins with markets. Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week is our deliberate strategy to bring verified international buyers to Uganda, allowing them to experience our products, meet our producers and build long-term commercial relationships. We are moving away from speculative trade towards demand that creates sustainable jobs, attracts investment and grows household incomes.”
Rwabwogo noted that the initiative is central to Uganda’s export-led industrialization agenda.
“We have always said that Uganda must be managed with the discipline of a successful enterprise. Every successful company invests in finding customers before expanding production. Likewise, our responsibility is to open markets for Ugandan businesses, strengthen standards, improve infrastructure and unlock financing. When demand grows, farmers produce more, factories expand, logistics improve and the entire economy benefits.”
He added that the event is also an important platform for strengthening Uganda’s international reputation.
“Every international buyer who visits Uganda becomes a witness to our quality, our hospitality and our investment potential. Buyers’ Week is therefore not simply about signing contracts; it is about building confidence in Uganda as a trusted trading partner and positioning our country as the gateway to business in the region.”
PACEID Markets Director, Katarikawe Opus Brenda: “Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week is where production meets opportunity, and where relationships are developed. Every buyer who comes to Uganda leaves as an ambassador.”
In addition to unveiling the Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week 2026, PACEID is also releasing its Half-Year Performance Report (January–June 2026). The report highlights progress made in advancing Uganda’s export agenda across market development, standards and compliance, export infrastructure, export financing, communications, and strategic partnerships. It also outlines key priorities for the second half of the year, with a renewed focus on accelerating market access, converting trade leads into export orders, strengthening Uganda Connect Trade Hubs, and deepening partnerships that position Uganda competitively in international markets.
The announcement also kicks off the national exporter on boarding and buyer recruitment campaign, outlines opportunities for sponsors and strategic partners, and unveils the roadmap leading to Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week 2026. Between July and October, PACEID will implement a comprehensive exporter readiness programme to prepare Ugandan businesses for international markets through training in export compliance, branding, trade negotiations, buyer engagement, and market-specific requirements.
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