This article sets out the trade and investment relationship between India and Uganda: annual trade figures, the main goods traded, trade preferences and tax arrangements, investment by the Indian community, the Joint Trade Committee, and the business delegations and events described in the MEA bilateral brief of April 2026.

Bilateral trade figures

According to the MEA brief of April 2026, which reproduces annual bilateral trade statistics from the Ministry of Commerce, trade between India and Uganda was as follows (value in US$ million):

  • 2019: exports from India to Uganda 576.62; imports from Uganda to India 31.17; total trade 607.79
  • 2020: exports 655.73; imports 35.40; total trade 691.13
  • 2021: exports 694.56; imports 57.49; total trade 752.05
  • 2022: exports 596.14; imports 464.08; total trade 1058.22
  • 2023: exports 819.61; imports 534.17; total trade 1353.78
  • 2024: exports 406.64; imports 464.25; total trade 870.89
  • 2025: exports 421.82; imports 42.07; total trade 463.89

The brief gives these figures by calendar year without further commentary on the changes between years.

Main items traded

The brief lists the major items of Indian exports to Uganda as pharmaceutical products, vehicles, plastic, paper and paperboard, and organic chemicals.

Major commodities imported from Uganda to India are edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers; coffee, tea, mate and spices; wood and articles of wood, and wood charcoal; cotton; essential oils; and cocoa and cocoa preparations.

Trade preferences and taxation

Uganda is a beneficiary of India's Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme for Least Developed Countries. A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Uganda has been in effect since 2004.

Investment and Indian business

The brief states that regular engagement between the private sectors in India and Uganda has deepened the involvement of Indian businesses in Uganda. PIOs and NRIs are estimated to have invested over US$1 billion in Uganda in the last two decades.

Joint Trade Committee

The 3rd meeting of the India-Uganda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi on 25-26 March 2025. Issues of bilateral interest for enhancing trade cooperation and investment were discussed.

Business delegations and events

A 33-member business delegation led by Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER), MEA, visited Uganda from 08-10 April 2024. A B2B meeting and a business conclave were organised during the visit. They were attended by the Uganda Agriculture Minister, the MOS (Finance-Investments), senior government officials, prominent business houses and industrialists, and trade bodies of both countries.

The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), in partnership with Equity Bank, brought an 18-member delegation to Uganda for an "India-Uganda Trade Mission" at Serena Hotel, Kampala, on 22-23 October 2024. The mission was attended by the Vice President of Tata Motors and the CEOs of Aptech, Ashok Leyland and Airtel. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade and exploring opportunities for investment and collaboration with Ugandan businesses.

The High Commission of India organised an "India Trade Show & Exhibition" on 20 March 2025 at Kabira Country Club, Kampala, where 17 companies importing goods from India showcased their products. The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), the Uganda Manufacturers' Association (UMA) and senior officers of the Ministry of Trade attended. Uganda's Minister of State for Trade, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, was the Chief Guest.

Hon. Francis Mwebesa, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, and Hon. Evelyn Anite, Minister of State for Investment and Privatisation, took part in the 20th CII India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi from 27-29 August 2025. The Minister of Trade shared his vision on Uganda's trade and industrial development and on India-Africa trade ties. Hon. Anite shared her outlook on public-private collaboration between India and Africa, business synergies and sustainable investment.

On 02 October 2025, the High Commission organised an India-Uganda Policy Dialogue on "Bilateral Relations: Opportunities for Trade, Investment & Collaboration" in Kampala, in partnership with the Economic Policy & Research Centre (EPRC) and IBF Uganda. A multi-sectoral business delegation led by FIEO visited Uganda on 02-03 October 2025 and took part in the dialogue. The High Commission and IBF Uganda organised many B2B meetings for the visiting companies.

A UK-India Multi-Sector Trade & Investment Mission visited Uganda from 19-25 February 2026. It included delegations from the South Asian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SACCI) and the Westminster Africa Business Association Ltd (WABA). The SACCI delegation, led by Mahendrasinh C. Jadeja, included 15 Indian businessmen. The High Commission facilitated a Networking Meeting on 19 February 2026, President Yoweri Museveni hosted a lunch for the delegation, and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja hosted a dinner for the delegates.

Pharmaceuticals

A two-member team from Uganda's Ministry of Health and National Drug Authority visited India for the "Policy Makers Forum" from 19-22 August 2024. The brief describes the visit as fruitful. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) assisted the delegates in understanding India's drug quality and safety control regime, the benefits of recognising the Indian Pharmacopoeia and India's private sector capabilities in pharmaceutical production.

As of the brief, the matter of recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia is being pursued with Uganda's health authorities. Around 35 Indian companies took part in the 5th Edition of the Uganda Pharma & Healthcare Expo, held in Kampala from 26-28 March 2026.