Getting Started
With a young and rapidly growing population, extremely productive agricultural lands, a nascent oil sector, and a strategic location in the heart of East and Central Africa, Uganda offers great economic potential.
The Economic and Commercial Section at the U.S. Mission in Kampala offers a number of commercial services that aim to promote American trade and investment interests, encourage U.S. exports, and level the playing field for all businesses by advocating for open markets, free trade, and predictability and transparency in the regulatory environment. We draw on our extensive networks of business contacts and local knowledge to conduct partner searches, perform company profiles and carry out other commercial services upon request by U.S. firms. The Embassy is eager to assist Ugandan businesses and individuals seeking to identify U.S. suppliers of goods and services to promote bilateral trade.
If you’re interested in doing business in Uganda, these reports can help get you started.
- Uganda: Current Country Commercial Guide: A Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies: Provides a comprehensive overview of doing business in Uganda, and includes a wide range of information on the Ugandan investment climate, sectors of opportunity, regulatory developments, and statistics on the Ugandan economy.
- Download the 2018 Investment Climate Statements for Uganda. A guide to investors looking at opportunities in Uganda.
The U.S. Government provides a range of commercial services for businesses operating in Africa.
- Export.gov brings together resources from across the U.S. Government to assist American businesses planning their international sales strategies and hosts information on the National Export Initiative.
- Export Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) is the official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.
- Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is an agency with specialized experience in trade issues. USTR negotiates directly with foreign governments to create trade agreements, resolve disputes, and participate in global trade policy organizations.
- Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution. It advances U.S. foreign policy by mobilizing private capital to help solve critical world challenges.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides support to U.S. small businesses and small business owners across the nation through capital (loans), access to federal contracts, and counseling.
- U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities — such as feasibility studies, training and reverse trade missions — while creating sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries.
- USAID conducts competition for contracts, grants and cooperative agreements to find qualified implementing partners for USAID/Uganda’s development assistance programs. An implementing partner can be a U.S. or local non-governmental organization (NGO), commercial organization, an individual, or a public international organization. For more information about assistance opportunities, please visit the grants website for assistance opportunities, or the USAID Uganda website for more information.
American Chamber of Commerce in Uganda
American Chamber of Commerce in Uganda: This non-profit offers membership to American companies, multinationals, and local companies with strong business ties with the United States.
Trade Agreements.
Uganda is eligible for duty free preferences available through the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The U.S. has Trade & Investment Framework Agreements (TIFA) with the East African Community (EAC) and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Uganda is a member of both regional organizations.
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) – Agreement between the U.S. government and the Common Market For Eastern And Southern Africa Concerning the Development of Trade and Investment Relations.
East African Community (EAC) – Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between the East African Community and the U.S. government.
List of Commercial Lawyers
Disclaimer: Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
Africa Legal Network (ALN)/MMAKS
Apollo Makubuya – Partner
makubuya@ug.africalegalnetwork.com
Mob: +256 752 785 666
Byenkya, Kihika & Co. Advocates
Dinah Mukasa – Senior Associate
dinah@byenkyakihikaw.co.ug
Tel: +256 414 250 203
Mob: +256 755 270 922
Kasirye, Byaruhanga & Co. Advocates
Andrew Kasirye – Partner
kasirye@lawyer.co.ug
Mob: +256 752 220 085
K & K Advocates
Edwin Karugire – Lawyer
kk@kandk.co.ug
Tel: +256 393 276 464
Tel: +256 414 345 054
Muhumuza, Kateeba and Company Advocates
Wing A, 5th Floor, Rwenzori Towers
Plot 4 & 6, Nakasero Road
P.O.Box 37468
Kampala, Uganda
dkateeba@mkcoadvocates.com
Tel: +256 313 673 631
Mob: +256 772 436 105
Orima & Co.
Tommy Ogwang – Counsel
tommy.ogwang@orimaco.com
Mob: +256 772 639 183
Ssebalu and Lule Advocates
S&L Chambers
Plot 14, Mackinnon Road, Nakasero
KAMPALA
T: (+256) 0392 250013 / 0392 202030 / 0414 233063
Email: sebalulule@sebalulule.co.ug
TASLAF Advocates
Stephen Tumwesigye – Partner
9th Floor, Trust Tower
Plot 4 | Kyadondo Road, Nakasero
stumwesigye@taslafadvocates.com
Tel: +256 393 208 043
Mob: +256 774 334 908
V. Agaba Advocates & Legal Advisors
Victor Agaba– Counsel
agaba@vagabalegal.com
Mob: +256 312 202 892
AF Mpanga Advocates (Bowmans Uganda)
David F.K. Mpanga – Partner
david.mpanga@bowmanslaw.com
Tel: +256 31 226 3757
Mob: +256 772 730 338
Registration of Non-Government Organisations in Uganda
In June 2017, the Government of Uganda finalized the implementing regulations for the 2015 NGO Act: http://www.mia.go.ug/resource/laws-and-regulations
According to regulation 17(3)(g):
(3) The application for registration of an organization incorporated
outside Uganda shall be accompanied by—
(g) a recommendation from their government or missions
accredited to Uganda;
In order to comply with this regulation, we suggest you bring your organization’s original registration certificate(s) to the Embassy’s consular section, where an officer will notarize a “True Copy of the Original” documents. The Department of State has no authority to provide recommendation letters for organizations seeking to work in Uganda.
To schedule a notary appointment, email KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov with your requested appointment date and time. We offer notary services Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. This service cost $50 per notary.
Please find additional information about our notary services on our website: https://ug.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/notaries-public/
If the NGO Bureau rejects your registration application because the notarized copy is insufficient, please notify us via email: KampalaNGORegistrations@state.gov
As these new regulations have significantly altered the operating environment for civil society organizations in Uganda, figuring out how to navigate them will be an iterative process. We recommend applying organizations consult with legal counsel and other local stakeholders.
Business Visas
To apply for an e-visa for travel to Uganda, please go to: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.
For information on obtaining a visa to visit Uganda, please click here.
Travel Advisories
Make sure to check the current State Department Travel Advisory for Uganda.
Contact us
Embassy phone: (256) 414 306001
Embassy fax: (256) 414 259794
Email: CommercialKampala@state.gov