Uganda is gearing up to host the 31st Uganda International Trade Fair (UGITF), a premier event set to open doors for new regional and global market opportunities while positioning Uganda as a strategic gateway to East Africa.
Scheduled to run from October 2 to 12, 2025, at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Show Grounds in Lugogo, this year’s edition is expected to draw hundreds of local and international exhibitors, business leaders, innovators, and global investors seeking to connect, collaborate, and expand trade opportunities.
Backed by platinum sponsors including TotalEnergies, MTN, Bank of Uganda, UNISTEEL, Good Briquette, and the Science, Technology & Innovation Secretariat, the fair promises to strengthen Uganda’s competitive edge and accelerate access to export markets.
With over 40 acres of exhibition space and a growing reputation as the largest trade platform in East and Central Africa, UGITF has evolved into a powerhouse of commerce and innovation, bridging Ugandan enterprises with international markets and shaping cross-border business collaborations.
Eng. James Kalibbala, Chairman of the National Standards Council at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), said this year’s trade fair underscores Uganda’s commitment to quality, safety, and competitiveness in international markets.
He noted that UNBS has introduced even more stringent product certification and quality assurance mechanisms to protect consumers and promote export readiness. “Every product, every service, every innovation displayed within these grounds has undergone meticulous scrutiny,” Kalibbala said.
“In today’s dynamic marketplace, trust is paramount. Buyers and investors want more than goods and services; they want peace of mind. The UNBS certification mark is a symbol of compliance, a testament to quality, and a guarantee of safety. When you see that mark, you can be absolutely confident that the product has met stringent national and international benchmarks,” he said.
According to the organisers, this year’s edition promises to be one of the biggest in the fair’s three-decade history, with over 600 confirmed local exhibitors and more than 150 international exhibitors from over 30 countries.
More than 200 industrialists are expected to participate in matchmaking forums designed to create partnerships, attract investments, and open access to regional and global markets.
Eddie Senkumba, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the 31st UGITF has been carefully curated to create an immersive experience for exhibitors, investors, and showgoers alike.
He noted that the fair will not only showcase “Made in Uganda” excellence but also drive knowledge exchange and cross-border partnerships. “The response has been phenomenal,” Senkumba said.
“The energy among exhibitors is electric, and we’ve designed a platform where innovators, entrepreneurs, and global players can converge, collaborate, and unlock new markets. This is not just a trade fair; it’s an opportunity to be part of history,” Senkumba added.
Aga Sekalala, Board Chairman of UMA, described UGITF as a cornerstone of Uganda’s industrial growth and a symbol of the country’s rising prominence in regional trade.
He highlighted that from its humble beginnings in 1992 with fewer than 50 exhibitors, the trade fair has grown into a continental platform attracting more than 90,000 showgoers annually.
“The 31st UGITF, under the theme ‘Sustainable Industrialization for Inclusive Growth, Employment & Wealth Creation,’ is a powerful declaration of our collective potential,” Sekalala said.
“It is where Uganda showcases its creativity, ingenuity, and manufacturing strength to the world. Our local manufacturers, many of whom began their journey here, are now competing successfully on the global stage,” he continued.
As Uganda positions itself as a hub for manufacturing, innovation, and exports, the trade fair is set to provide a powerful platform for businesses to access regional and global markets, secure investments, and forge strategic partnerships.
With unmatched opportunities for business-to-business engagements, international networking, and cross-border collaboration, the 31st Uganda International Trade Fair is expected to be a defining moment in Uganda’s journey toward industrial competitiveness and export-led growth.
