The British Chamber of Commerce in Uganda has called upon Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country to take advantage of the opportunities the association offers by becoming members.
The appeal was made during the chamber’s first anniversary celebrations in Kampala, where leaders highlighted the benefits of membership for both large corporations and smaller enterprises.
According to the association’s chairman, Sanjay Rughani, the chamber was never designed to serve only big multinational companies. Instead, it is an inclusive platform that welcomes SMEs and even individual entrepreneurs who are eager to grow, expand, and establish stronger international linkages.
“We are open for SMEs, and we already have a number of them as our members. If many more join, they will benefit and gain from bigger companies in terms of advocacy, networking, and international partnerships,” Rughani said.
Rughani emphasized that the chamber’s mission goes beyond corporate engagement. It aims to create an enabling environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and exposure to international best practices.
Currently, the chamber boasts 42 members across diverse sectors, collectively employing more than 20,000 Ugandans. Since its establishment, it has worked to strengthen trade and investment relations between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
Strengthening Uganda–UK Relations
The British Chamber of Commerce was formed to bridge business communities in both countries, opening doors for Ugandan enterprises to access the UK market and vice versa. With the UK being one of Uganda’s key trading partners, the chamber plays a vital role in facilitating partnerships, lobbying for favorable trade conditions, and creating platforms where businesses can directly interact with potential investors.
At the anniversary event, Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, commended the chamber for its role in supporting Uganda’s economic growth. She highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration in today’s rapidly changing global economy.
“The UK is committed to economic growth, technological innovation, and global collaboration. Such an initiative enables us to achieve our commitment,” Chesney said.
She further underscored the significance of business networks in creating much-needed jobs for Uganda’s young and rapidly growing population. With over 70 percent of Ugandans below the age of 30, employment creation remains a top priority for both government and private sector players.
“The British High Commission is very proud to support the British Chamber of Commerce. It has been uplifting to meet many responsible, vibrant, and growing businesses within the community. The collective voice of the Chamber of Commerce is an important one. I look forward to working with the Chamber to strengthen and grow the trade and investment links between the UK and Uganda,” she added.
Opportunities for SMEs
For SMEs, membership in the chamber presents a unique chance to tap into networks that would otherwise be difficult to access. By collaborating with established multinational firms, small businesses can benefit from mentorship, capacity building, and exposure to global supply chains.
Additionally, SMEs stand to gain from the chamber’s advocacy efforts, which focus on addressing challenges faced by businesses in Uganda such as access to finance, taxation, trade barriers, and infrastructure gaps.
“The chamber is not just about big business. It is about creating an ecosystem where smaller firms can grow by learning from larger ones, while also contributing their own innovation and dynamism,” Rughani stressed.
Looking Ahead
As the chamber marks its first anniversary, its leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding membership and deepening partnerships. They noted that the future of Uganda’s economy lies in empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs, who form the backbone of the country’s private sector.
With Uganda seeking to increase its exports, attract foreign investment, and create sustainable jobs, platforms like the British Chamber of Commerce are becoming increasingly vital. They provide not only a voice for businesses but also tangible opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
