Uganda and Italy Forge Stronger Ties in Coffee, Trade, and Investment

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has underscored Uganda’s commitment to enhancing its relationship with Italy, particularly in areas vital to economic growth. This renewed focus emerged during a meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, at State House.

Ambassador Massoni briefed the President on the progress of existing collaborations and highlighted upcoming initiatives. A significant development is the planned visit of a high-level Italian delegation, including representatives from the finance, trade, and business sectors. This delegation is expected to engage with Ugandan counterparts to identify and pursue mutual interests.

Central to the discussions was the coffee sector. Plans are underway for a coffee development project designed to support Ugandan smallholder farmers. Additionally, Italy will participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Coffee House at Kyambogo University, further cementing the partnership in this area.

The countries are also gearing up for the Uganda Business Forum in Rome this October. This event is anticipated to foster new trade and investment partnerships between Ugandan and Italian businesses, with Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives expected to be a key participant.

Discussions also touched upon infrastructure development, including the Tororo Cement project, and President Museveni expressed keen interest in improving Uganda’s regional transport and trade links, especially its railway connectivity to Tanzania.

Further illustrating the breadth of cooperation, Italian medical professionals are currently undergoing training in Italy, underscoring advancements in skills development and healthcare partnerships.

These engagements collectively signal a strong commitment from both nations to strengthen bilateral ties, promoting increased trade, investment, technology transfer, and skills development for mutual benefit.

Source: State House (Uganda)