Uganda has once again ascended the global stage, securing the AIM Investment Award 2025 for the third consecutive year. This milestone underscores the nation’s strategic shift from traditional diplomacy to a robust model of commercial and economic diplomacy.
In a moment of national prestige and diplomatic triumph, Ambassador Zaake Kibedi ceremoniously returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) bearing the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Investment Award 2025, which he formally presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event, presided over by the State Minister for Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, underscored the monumental strides Uganda has made in transitioning from conventional diplomacy to a more pragmatic and economically driven model—commercial diplomacy.
“This accomplishment is emblematic of our strategic reorientation of Uganda’s foreign service—from traditional diplomacy to one anchored in economic imperatives. I wish to commend the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary, and the entire diplomatic corps for their unyielding commitment to this transformative policy direction,” Minister Anite declared.
Three Consecutive Years of Global Recognition
This is not an isolated accolade. For the third successive year, Uganda has secured this globally prestigious recognition—not by happenstance, but through intentional, well-orchestrated policy measures. According to Mr. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda’s consistent excellence is rooted in a deliberate investment-enabling environment fostered under the stewardship of the NRM government.
“Uganda’s recognition at the AIM platform is a manifestation of the government’s sustained commitment to creating catalytic conditions for foreign direct investment—ranging from infrastructure to reliable energy supply. Such consistency is central to our strategic vision,” Bagiire emphasized.
UAE: Uganda’s Leading Trade Ally and Investment Partner
In recent fiscal quarters, the UAE has ascended to become Uganda’s premier export market and a principal source of foreign direct investment. This emerging dynamic is a direct consequence of Uganda’s aggressive economic diplomacy agenda, which places a premium on export promotion and strategic market engagement.
Ambassador Kibedi attributed this achievement to a proactive, innovation-driven diplomatic strategy instituted by the Ugandan consulate in the UAE.
“Our consulate has adopted an avant-garde model of engagement—moving beyond ceremonial representation to actionable investment facilitation. In October last year, we launched the Uganda Business Centre in Dubai. Its core mandate is the sustained follow-through on trade, tourism, and investment engagements,” the Ambassador explained.
Catalytic Role of the Uganda Business Centre – Dubai
Since its inauguration, the Uganda Business Centre in Dubai has functioned as a pivotal conduit between UAE investors and Ugandan enterprises. Following the recent Uganda-UAE Business Forum, over ten high-value companies have been fully onboarded into the Ugandan market—each comprehensively facilitated by the Business Centre.
This is not merely anecdotal success; it is indicative of a systematic realignment of Uganda’s international economic engagement paradigm. By embedding trade and investment follow-up mechanisms within diplomatic structures, Uganda is redefining its global footprint.
AIM Awards: Benchmarking Global Excellence
The AIM Investment Awards are globally recognized accolades that celebrate the efficacy and innovation of national investment promotion agencies. Uganda’s successive victories signify not only institutional resilience and foresight but also an evolving capacity to position itself competitively on the international investment landscape.
As Uganda consolidates its position as an investment hub in the East African region and beyond, this award is more than a trophy—it is a validation of visionary leadership, diplomatic innovation, and unwavering national commitment to economic transformation.
