PACEID Launches Uganda Connect International Buyers' Week 2026 as Uganda Intensifies Drive for Global Markets
Kampala, Uganda | July 15, 2026 — The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has officially unveiled the Uganda Connect International Buyers' Week (UCIBW) 2026, marking the launch of Uganda's flagship international trade promotion programme.
Announced during a press briefing at Sheraton Kampala Hotel in Kampala, the event will be held from 9–15 November 2026 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo, under the theme: "MEET. CONNECT. TRADE."
The week-long programme will convene verified international buyers, investors, Trade Representatives, exporters, development partners and government agencies to unlock new export opportunities for Ugandan businesses. Activities will include 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 aims to attract more verified international buyers and Ugandan exporters, increase business-to-business engagements, and facilitate at least 20 export transactions worth over USD 3 million.
Speaking at the launch, 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 said the initiative is central to Uganda's export-led industrialisation 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 will also strengthen Uganda's reputation in international markets.
"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 described the initiative as a platform where business relationships are transformed into long-term partnerships.
"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."
Alongside the launch of Uganda Connect International Buyers' Week 2026, PACEID also released 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, including 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 marks the start of the national exporter onboarding 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 roll out 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.
The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) was established to address the strategic and operational challenges limiting Uganda's industrial and export potential.
By strengthening coordination among exporters, producers, government institutions and international stakeholders, PACEID works to accelerate Uganda's export growth and industrial transformation.
