A milestone in bilateral relations was marked during the Uganda–Indonesia Business Forum held at Park Hyatt Jakarta Thursday, July 10, 2025, where both nations emphasized long-term collaboration across vital sectors including tourism, trade, minerals, oil and gas, and digital innovation.

The event brought together government officials, business leaders, and investors from Uganda and Indonesia, aiming to foster sustainable economic ties. With growing engagement between Uganda and Asian countries, investment emerged as a critical pillar in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

"This business expo is a very special and unique event. Its goal is not only to boost international trade but also to strengthen international relations," Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Trade, said as quoted in a statement on Monday, July 14, 2025.

“The total trade value between Indonesia and Uganda has generally shown an upward trend from 2020 to 2024, increasing by 47.25 percent − from US$8.9 million to US$52.8 million (Rp145 billion to Rp860.6 billion) between January and April 2025,” she cited.

Betty Oyella Bigombe, Uganda’s Ambassador to Malaysia, highlighted her country’s readiness to engage with international partners, especially from Indonesia.

“This Business Forum marks a new era of bilateral cooperation driven by strategic alignment, shared economic growth, and partnerships that embrace innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity,” Ambassador said as quoted on Monday.

She added that Uganda is committed to increasing exports to Indonesia, particularly in agriculture, minerals, halal food, and green energy components.

“We encourage Indonesian entrepreneurs to consider Uganda as a strategic hub for production and export across Africa,” she emphasized.

The forum featured presentations on key industries, curated networking sessions, and public-private dialogues aimed at addressing trade barriers and accelerating strategic partnerships. Uganda, with its abundant natural resources, young population, and expanding digital infrastructure, is positioned as fertile ground for sustainable investment.

Strengths and investment appeal

Uganda’s active participation in key regional trade blocs − including the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) − underscores its commitment to economic integration. With a population exceeding 48 million and access to over 300 million consumers across the region, Uganda offers a strategic scale and location for long-term investors targeting East Africa.

Indonesian investors can explore opportunities in various sectors, including:

● Digital services and ICT, such as BPO centers, coding academies, and application development;

● Agribusiness and rice cultivation, supporting Uganda’s food security goals;

● Textile and garment industries, leveraging an efficient workforce for export markets;

● Tourism and hospitality infrastructure, including eco-lodges, resorts, and integrated training;

● Mining and energy, from mineral processing to oil and gas infrastructure;

● Logistics and certified halal supply chains, enabling exports and imports.

Trade between the two countries also reflects strong complementarity. In 2024, Uganda exported US$47.1 million worth of goods to Indonesia, mainly cocoa and leather products, while Indonesia exported US$97.7 million in steel, adhesives, machinery, and glass to Uganda.

Tourism and halal economy

Tourism has emerged as a key area of partnership. During the forum, Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) to develop tourism infrastructure in Uganda. This follows a familiarization trip in November 2024, during which Indonesian tour operators were invited to explore Uganda’s tourism potential and evaluate investment opportunities in the hospitality sector.

As a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Uganda is also advancing its role in the global halal market. The country is focusing on developing halal logistics and supply chains that adhere to Islamic principles. Given Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s largest halal economies and a key OIC member, it is well-positioned to support Uganda through training, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer.

Investment incentives

Uganda offers a highly competitive investment climate, including:

● 10-year tax holidays;

● No restrictions on reinvestment;

● Full repatriation of foreign investors’ profits;

● 3-year income tax exemption for new Ugandan-owned businesses (effective July 1, 2025);

● Import duty exemptions on machinery and production equipment;

● 100 percent foreign company ownership.