Now is the time to invest in Uganda- UK envoy urges investors

UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Rwanda has urged business owners in the United Kingdom to rush to invest in Africa and Uganda before other entrepreneurs in other countries snatch the opportunity.

Delivering a keynote address at the 6th annual UK-Uganda Convention in East London, Lord Dolar Popat, a Ugandan born in Busolwe, Butaleja District and raised in Tororo said the UK is already the largest cumulative investor in Uganda but there is considerable room to grow trading relations between the two nations.

“UK businesses need to respond, grab the economic initiative and play a leading role in Africa's future growth. Otherwise we will be left behind by the countries that see Africa as it is, rather than how they fear it is,” he said.

“Now is the time to invest in Uganda; now is the time to export from the UK; and the UK Government are here to support you in your efforts. From financial to diplomatic support; from strategic advice to the best contacts book in Kampala; the UK Government is here to support every business that is thinking that Uganda might be their newest market," he added.

The convention was re-focused to look at the trade and investment opportunities in Uganda, and discussions were themed around the question: 'Why invest in Uganda now?'

Amongst the notable guests were; Speaker of Parliament of Uganda Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, His Highness, David Onen Acana II, Acholi Paramount Chief, Mr Amin Mawji OBE, Diplomatic Representative, Leader of Opposition in Parliament ,Winnie Kiiza, Cecilia Ogwal, MP/Parliament Commissioner, and former FDC party president Dr Kizza Besigye

Dolar Popat, Baron Popat (born 14 June 1953 in Uganda) is a British Asian businessman and politician. He was a Government Whip and Lord-in-Waiting in the House of Lords from January 2013 to May 2015. In July 2010 he became a member of the House of Lords as a Life Peer and was the first Gujarati to represent the Conservative Party at Parliament. He emigrated to Britain in 1971 during the expulsion of Asians from Uganda.