Canadian Expo Shines Light on Uganda’s Investment Opportunities
The Uganda Canada Convention & Tourism Business Expo 2025 edition, held recently in Toronto, Canada, has proven to be a significant platform in bridging investment initiatives between Uganda and the diaspora communities.
The event, taking place from July 11-13, 2025, was organized by the Uganda Canadian Diaspora Network. It attracted both in-person attendees at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto and a global audience through live streaming. This expo served as a crucial channel for promoting investment, trading partnerships, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
This convention illuminated the vast potential inherent in the Ugandan economy, especially concerning diaspora engagement. The opening ceremony, led by Ugandan Diaspora Network founder and the organizing committee chair, Ronnie Mayanja, showcased a meticulously structured program dedicated to fostering these relationships.
During the keynote address, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Alan Kajik, highlighted numerous lucrative opportunities available for investors in Uganda. He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring investor protection through a specialized one-stop center hosted by the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). Kajik encouraged exploration of the UIA offerings, which include a plethora of bankable projects spanning various promising sectors like fish processing and recycling plants. “Uganda is a prime investment destination due to its conducive business environment and abundant natural resources,” Kajik asserted.
Furthermore, Ottawa’s immigration attaché, Catherine Lillian Amalo, provided crucial information regarding immigration services. She also made a significant announcement about a forthcoming mass enrolment for national identity cards, aimed at streamlining processes for Ugandans residing overseas.
Focus on Real Estate and Financial Security
The expo also delved into a variety of investment opportunities, with particular emphasis on real estate and financial stability. Janet Mugume, the manager of real estate at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), elaborated on the fund’s pivotal role in long-term financial security, overseeing investments for over three million members. Mugume spotlighted NSSF’s expansive land assets across Uganda alongside its remarkable real estate developments. She further introduced the ‘Smart Life Flexi’, a savings option tailored for medium-term goals, assuring the diaspora community of the convenience and safety in retrieving their savings.
In addition, former Uganda Law Society president Andrew Kasirye, a shareholder at Pearl Marina Uganda, showcased their innovative real estate ventures, emphasizing the dynamic expansion within Uganda’s property sector. Adding to this discussion, Sikander Kassam, the CEO of Reportage Properties, imparted valuable insights into property development and strategic investment, further underscoring the ripe opportunities within Uganda’s real estate arena.
Overall, the Uganda Canada Convention & Tourism Business Expo 2025 provided an invaluable platform for promoting Uganda’s investment landscape. It strengthened the connection between Ugandans in the diaspora and opportunities back home, highlighting sectors primed for future growth and collaborative ventures.