Uganda and Italy Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation on Coffee, Trade and Investment

KAMPALA, UGANDA — August 28, 2026 Uganda and Italy are exploring new opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to coffee development, trade, investment, infrastructure and skills development, as the two countries continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Italy when the Ambassador of Italy to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, paid a courtesy call on him at State House and briefed him on ongoing and proposed areas of collaboration between the two countries.

President Yoweri Museveni welcomed the update and expressed appreciation for Italy’s continued engagement with Uganda, particularly efforts to facilitate partnerships between Ugandan institutions and Italian companies. He emphasized the importance of cooperation that can contribute to economic growth, job creation, technology transfer and the development of Uganda’s productive sectors.

Ambassador Massoni informed the President that an Italian delegation is expected to visit Uganda, led by the Secretary General of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whom President Museveni had previously met. The delegation is expected to bring together representatives from Italy’s development and export finance sector, as well as traders and business leaders, who will engage with their Ugandan counterparts on areas of shared economic and commercial interest.

A key area of discussion was the development of Uganda’s coffee sector. Ambassador Massoni briefed President Museveni on ongoing discussions surrounding a proposed coffee development project intended to support the growth of the sector and strengthen opportunities for smallholder farmers.

The planned Italian delegation is also expected to participate in preparations for the groundbreaking of a Coffee House at Kyambogo University, an initiative that could further contribute to knowledge exchange, research and skills development within Uganda’s coffee industry.

The two countries are also preparing for the Uganda Business Forum, scheduled to take place in Rome in October. The forum is expected to provide a platform for Ugandan and Italian businesses, investors and other stakeholders to explore areas of mutual interest and identify opportunities for increased trade and investment.

Ambassador Massoni noted that the forum would bring together businesses from both countries and provide an opportunity to develop new commercial partnerships. Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives is expected to participate in the engagement.

Infrastructure and investment opportunities also featured prominently in the discussions, including matters related to the Tororo Cement project. President Museveni expressed interest in initiatives capable of strengthening Uganda’s transport infrastructure and improving the country’s regional trade connections.

In particular, the President highlighted the importance of strengthening railway connectivity towards Tanzania, noting the potential significance of improved transport links in facilitating regional commerce and supporting Uganda’s broader economic integration.

The discussions also reflected the growing cooperation between Uganda and Italy in skills development and healthcare. Ambassador Massoni informed President Museveni that doctors from Lubowa Hospital are currently undertaking training in Italy, providing an additional avenue for professional exchange and capacity building between the two countries.

The engagements between President Museveni and Ambassador Massoni underscore the shared interest of Uganda and Italy in broadening their bilateral relationship beyond traditional diplomatic ties towards practical cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, technology and human capital development.

As preparations continue for the forthcoming Italian delegation and the Uganda Business Forum in Rome, both sides are expected to build on existing areas of cooperation while identifying new opportunities that can deliver sustainable economic and development benefits to the people of Uganda and Italy.