In a significant development, the trade investment deal between Uganda and Qatar has been strengthened through recent engagements in Kampala.
A six-person delegation from KON Group engaged in high-level discussions with Uganda’s Ministers of State for Tourism, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) administration, and representatives from key investment sectors.
According to a press release, the productive discussions explored potential opportunities and collaborative ventures for Ugandan and Qatari businesses.
“The visit, which underscores a renewed focus on fostering economic cooperation and development, will see KON Group collaborate with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on a project for the Recycling of Animal Waste,” reads part of the statement signed by Ambassador Hajji Mohammed Baswari Kezaala, the Deputy Head of Mission based in Doha.
Ambassador Kezaala noted that in a meeting with KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka and her technical team, it was unanimously agreed that KON Group and KCCA would formalize their intent to collaborate through a Memorandum of Understanding after all parties had agreed on salient issues.
Former Jinja Mayor, Kezaala, stated that it was also resolved that KCCA, KON Group, and Kanaha Holdings would jointly conduct a feasibility study guided by the National Environment Management Authority.
During a meeting with the delegation, Kampala Metropolitan Affairs Minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda welcomed KON Group’s Meat Rendering proposal and recommended a technical evaluation to guide the next step.
The delegation, led by Mohamed Riad Massani and Ms. Hissa K. H. Al Sowadi, founders and co-chairs of KON Group Qatar, visited the Kampala Meat Packers, locally known as lufula. They interacted with its management and vendors, expressing interest in partnering with the Government of Uganda to attract investors for the abattoir activities and stimulate the export of Uganda’s meat products to Qatar.
The delegation explored various investment opportunities in sectors including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and waste management.
In agriculture, the focus was on enhancing Uganda’s agricultural output through modern farming techniques and value addition.
In tourism, discussions centered on promoting Uganda as a prime destination for visitors from Qatar and Gulf States.
In manufacturing and waste management, the delegation explored innovative solutions for recycling and sustainable development.
Other areas of interest included the tea and coffee sectors as well as hospital upgrades and infrastructure development.
The delegation met an aging Mzee Erisa Kakyomya of Kakyomya tea estate, based in southwestern Fort Portal City, and agreed to help find markets for Uganda’s tea, whose prices have recently fallen due to the war in key destination markets such as Russia-Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Gaza.
The delegation also met with the Presidential Advisor and Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Gen. Salim Saleh (Rtd).
In his address, Gen. Saleh highlighted Uganda’s strategic initiatives to attract foreign investment and the numerous opportunities available for Qatari investors. He welcomed the proposed partnership as it aligns perfectly with the Ugandan government’s initiative to reduce the proportion of citizens with low disposable incomes, which has significantly improved from 68% in 2018 to 39% today.
The Embassy of Uganda in Qatar acknowledged KON Group’s strong interest and commitment to partnering with Uganda, highlighting their recognition of the country’s substantial potential as an emerging African market.
During a familiarization meeting with the Minister of State for Tourism, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the delegation aimed to boost tourism traffic between Uganda and Qatar. The Minister highlighted Uganda’s tourism potential and the available incentives for tourism investors.
The delegation also met with officials from NEMA, represented by Kawala Muwereza and other senior NEMA environment officers.
Additionally, the KON Group delegation met with the Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority, Robert Mukiza, who guided them through Uganda’s investment climate. They agreed to organize a business conference in Uganda where Qatari businesspeople can meet their Ugandan counterparts to explore business and investment opportunities. A similar conference will be organized in Doha, Qatar, where Uganda’s private sector and relevant agencies will participate.
Uganda’s embassy in Qatar was represented by the Deputy Head of Mission, who is also in charge of Commercial and Economic Diplomacy, Ambassador Mohammed Baswari Kezaala, on behalf of the Head of Mission, Ambassador Steven Chemoiko Chebrot, who is currently engaged in state matters in Doha.
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