By Dennis Katungi
Uganda has positioned itself for expanded trade and investment opportunities following its participation in the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit held in London on April 21, 2026.
The high-level forum brought together government leaders, investors, and industry players from across Commonwealth member states to deliberate on solutions to pressing global economic challenges, including shifting trade dynamics, technological disruption, and sustainable growth.
During earlier engagements, Lord Swire and A Q Hamza, the Chief Commercial Officer and Group Director for International Trade Relations at Equity Group Holdings, met CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe, where they discussed Uganda’s potential entry into the Council and its participation in the London summit.
Gen. Kainerugaba, acting under the Special Operations docket, oversaw the process that included the prompt payment of Uganda’s membership subscription, effectively securing the country’s place within the Council.
![The writer With Nicholas Karamagi, Senior Presidential Adviser on Trade & Investment [UK & Europe], Andrew Mwenda & Moses Karugaba of The Implementing Partner Ltd.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkampalapost.com%2Fstorage%2Fmedia%2Fdfb6ed55-57a5-40df-8010-9ea1d23f0f63.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Uganda’s delegation joined discussions focused on strengthening trade linkages, promoting investment, and enhancing competitiveness within the Commonwealth network. The summit provided a platform for both formal engagements and business-to-business interactions aimed at unlocking new partnerships.
Speaking at the summit on behalf of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Andrew Mwenda emphasized the need for structural shifts in global trade.
“For as long as the developing world continues to export raw materials with limited value addition, those countries would never compete favourably with the developed world,” he said.
He urged developing countries to pursue value addition and technology-driven growth.
“Developing countries must add value to their exports whether it is oil, minerals or commodities and enter into new technologies with partners willing to share technical know-how,” Mwenda added.
The summit, held under the theme “Commonwealth Solutions to Global Challenges,” explored key areas such as global tariffs, energy transition, digital health systems, tourism, and economic resilience. It also highlighted the role of innovation and public-private collaboration in driving growth across member states.
Several Ugandan companies, including the Madhvani Group, The Implementing Partner Limited, River Bank International, and The Independent Publication, participated in the summit, engaging with international investors and industry leaders.
Organisers confirmed that Uganda will host the next Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in 2027, a move expected to boost the country’s investment profile and attract global business interest.
The writer is Head of Communications & Media Relations – Uganda Media Centre.
@Dennis_Katungi
