In a compelling address, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, State Minister for  Animal Industry, articulated Uganda’s commitment to economic development and collaboration. He emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in driving growth and expressed a strong resolve to tackle challenges faced by businesses.

During his statement, Rwamirama underscored the significance of the Uganda-South Africa partnership, reflecting on the successful first summit held in Pretoria. He stressed the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation to create an enabling business environment.

His speech resonated with the summit’s central theme: ‘Accelerating Investments and Trade between Uganda and South Africa.’ Rwamirama’s insights shed light on the potential for mutually beneficial investment opportunities and the collective effort required to overcome barriers.

Below is the statement in detail.

“

• Hon. Minister Ms. Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and leader of the delegation from the Republic of South Africa.
• Hon Minister Mr. Mondli Gungubele, Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies
• Hon. Mr. Fish Mahalela, Deputy Minister of Tourism
• Hon. Ms. Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Competitions,
• HonMinisters from Uganda present
• Your Excellency, Ms. Lulama Xingwana, High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa
• Hon. Members of Parliament present
• Permanent secretaries and their Representatives
• Our Distinguished Business Delegation from South Africa
• Ugandan Business Community
• Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish on my behalf and that of the Government of Uganda to welcome the South African Trade and Investment delegation led by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture for the second South Africa-Uganda trade and investment summit. You recall that the first edition of the Uganda – South Africa Investment and Trade Summit was held in February 2023 in Pretoria- South Africa, and was addressed by both their Excellences, President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The two agreed to work together to improve the business operating environment between the two countries including challenges affecting the private sector.

The theme for today’s Summit is “Accelerating Investments and Trade between Uganda and South Africa”.

The Summit will take the format of a business meeting and platform that has brought under one roof, trade and investment policymakers, identified key business communities, trade support institutions, regional and multilateral organizations from Uganda and South Africa.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Summit’s overarching objective is to provide a platform for the private sector, government and business regulatory agencies to network, exchange experiences, and explore win-win investment and trade opportunities, share information on how to facilitate investment and doing business (including identifying existing/emerging investment opportunities and challenges).

Ladies and gentlemen,

The two countries attach great importance to the private Sector as an engine for growth and development. Its against this background that yesterday the two government teams from Uganda and South held a bilateral discussions at both the technical and Ministerial level to discuss the challenges faced by the Private sector as they conduct their businesses. We are assuring the private sectors that the two governments stand together to address the identified the challenges and enable the businesses between the two countries to thrive.

Finally, I once again welcome our brothers and sisters to the Pearl of Africa, and I look forward for successful deliberations and fruitful outcomes from this 2^nd Edition of the Uganda-South Africa Summit

I now call on my colleague and the Leader of the South Africa delegation to give his remarks

For God and my Country!

I Thank You

“