Uganda is stepping up preparations for the upcoming Uganda–DRC Summit 2026, with key government institutions and private sector players aligning strategies to unlock investment opportunities, boost trade, and strengthen bilateral relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

A high-level preparatory meeting was held today bringing together the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), National Planning Authority (NPA), Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and Uganda Free Zones Export Promotion Authority (UFZEPA).

The discussions focused on enhancing regional trade cooperation, particularly through strategic border points such as the Arua–Bunia and Kasese–Beni corridors, which are expected to play a major role in boosting cross-border commerce.

Focus on Action and Measurable Results

The Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority, Mukiza Robert, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of shifting from discussions to implementation.

He stressed the need for clear and practical strategies that can deliver measurable outcomes from the summit.

The Director General of Uganda Investment Authority mukiza robert, further underscored the importance of adopting a results-driven approach to the Summit, focused on boosting trade volumes and securing tangible investment and trade deals between Uganda and the DRC.

His remarks highlighted Uganda’s growing focus on ensuring that the summit produces real economic impact rather than just policy dialogue.

Call for Market Intelligence and Strategic Planning

The National Planning Authority (NPA) Executive Director, Joseph Muvawala, called for a comprehensive analysis of the DRC market to guide Uganda’s engagement strategy.

He emphasized the importance of identifying priority sectors, mapping credible private-sector players, and pinpointing key value chains that can be targeted during the summit.

According to NPA, a data-driven approach will help Uganda better position its exporters and investors in the DRC market.

Concerns Over Trade Barriers and Regional Competition

The Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Dr Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, noted that Uganda is not fully tapping into East African Community (EAC) opportunities due to persistent non-tariff barriers.

He warned that competitors such as Kenya are already positioning themselves in the DRC market, urging Uganda to act swiftly and strategically.

Reinforcing this view, Reagan Ssempijja, Communications and PR Assistant at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), emphasized the need to address Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to ease the cost of doing business. He also highlighted the private sector’s readiness to mobilize and tap into the DRC market.

Expanding Trade Beyond Minerals

Speaking during the meeting, Emmanuel Ewaku Allio, Director Investments at Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), highlighted the growing readiness of the DRC to expand trade with Uganda beyond mineral exports.

“The DRC is more than ready to expand trade with uganda beyond minerals into high-impact sectors such as Agriculture (coffee, fish, maize), Agro-processing, Manufacturing, & Logistics. We must seize this opportunity.”- Emmanuel Ewaku Allio, Director Investments at Operation wealth creation (OWC).

His remarks pointed to significant opportunities for Ugandan businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, agro-processing, and logistics sectors.

Strengthening Regional Economic Integration

The Uganda–DRC Summit 2026 is expected to deepen economic integration between the two neighboring countries by improving trade infrastructure, enhancing private sector participation, and promoting investment partnerships.

With institutions such as UIA, NPA, UMA, PSFU, and UFZEPA working together, Uganda aims to position itself as a key trade gateway into the eastern DRC market.

The focus on border trade corridors like Arua–Bunia and Kasese–Beni further underscores the strategic importance of regional connectivity in driving economic growth.

As preparations continue, stakeholders remain focused on ensuring that the Uganda–DRC Summit 2026 delivers tangible economic outcomes, strengthens bilateral ties, and unlocks new opportunities for trade and investment across both countries.