Ugandan traders have arrived in Mogadishu with products they hope will appeal to Somali consumers, as Somalia and Uganda seek to expand their longstanding relationship beyond security cooperation and diplomacy into trade and investment.
More than 100 participants from Uganda and 146 Somali participants attended a three-day Somalia-Uganda cooperation conference held from October 20 to 22, bringing together government representatives and businesspeople to explore commercial opportunities and strengthen ties between the two countries.
The gathering featured discussions on bilateral relations, a review of previous agreements and a business exhibition where traders showcased their products, met potential partners and explored opportunities to enter new markets.
For Ugandan businesses, the event provided a chance to introduce their products to Somali consumers and establish relationships with local traders. Somali businesses, meanwhile, had an opportunity to discover new products and explore potential partnerships with companies from Uganda.
Among the exhibitors was Junior Nuwandinda, who represented Warfaa Group Holdings Ltd and travelled from Kampala to showcase products to Somali traders and consumers.
Nuwandinda said he believed the Somali market offered opportunities for businesses selling spices and products associated with different flavours, prompting him to attend the exhibition and seek commercial relationships with local entrepreneurs.
“I came here for the Somalia-Uganda trade exhibition. Since Somali people enjoy spices and different flavours, I believe these products are suitable for the Somali market. That is why I came here to establish business relationships and work with Somali people,” Nuwandinda said.
His participation reflected the wider objective of the exhibition: giving Ugandan companies direct access to potential buyers while helping them understand consumer preferences in Somalia.
The event also allowed traders to make contact with prospective business partners, although the extent to which these introductions will lead to lasting commercial agreements remains to be seen.
The exhibition was not limited to Ugandan companies seeking customers. Somali businesspeople also used the gathering to learn about products from Uganda and introduce their own commercial opportunities to visiting traders.
Somali businesswoman Faadumo Sheikh Ali said the interaction had exposed participants to products and business possibilities they might not otherwise have encountered.
“We are benefiting from many things. We have seen things here that we might not otherwise have had the chance to see, and they, too, are benefiting from us. That is why this cooperation is a great success for us,” Sheikh Ali said.
Somalia and Uganda Seek Stronger Economic Ties
Somalia and Uganda have maintained close ties, particularly in security, with Ugandan troops participating in efforts to support Somalia’s security and counter terrorism.
The Mogadishu conference highlighted efforts to broaden that relationship by giving greater attention to trade, investment and private-sector cooperation.
The conference also featured an announcement that holders of diplomatic passports and passports issued to government employees would receive visas free of charge on arrival in both countries.
The arrangement was presented as part of broader efforts to facilitate movement for people involved in official relations between Somalia and Uganda.
Easier travel for eligible officials could help support government engagement and coordination, including visits linked to bilateral cooperation. However, the announcement does not establish a general visa-free arrangement for all Somali and Ugandan citizens.
Its practical impact will depend on implementation and the official requirements governing eligibility.