During the Nigeria-Uganda Trade Dialogue Webinar on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Mr. Cleopas Ndorere, Commissioner for External Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, emphasized that logistics remains the biggest challenge in advancing trade between the two countries.
However, he expressed optimism about new opportunities on the horizon. “Transport and logistics have been a bottleneck in strengthening trade between Uganda and Nigeria. But with the launch of direct flights by Uganda Airlines to Lagos and Abuja, we now have a real opportunity to overcome this hurdle,” Mr. Ndorere said.
Mr. Cleopas Ndorere- Commissioner External Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives
He encouraged the private sector in both countries to take advantage of these new air routes for trade in goods and services. “These routes must be fully utilized, not just for cargo but for business travel, investment, and services. It’s time we turn connectivity into mutual prosperity,” he added.
Mr. Ndorere also hinted at new opportunities in the creative economy, noting the global reach of Nigeria’s Nollywood industry. “Uganda’s tourism can benefit from Nollywood Trade Services, film, fashion, and cultural storytelling. There’s a potential to co-brand and co-promote our countries as investment and travel destinations,” he explained.
Speaking on trade systems, Mr. Ndorere addressed Uganda’s progress and challenges with the Certificate of Origin and the Single Window Trade System, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “Single Window is implemented at the East African Community level, and while we’ve made strides, especially with Kenya and Rwanda, linking with Tanzania still poses practical challenges, like the need for physical verification,” he noted.
On Rules of Origin, Uganda is largely compliant with AfCFTA guidelines, with ongoing discussions on a few sensitive sectors. “All Ugandan products are cleared in agreement with AfCFTA except three: textiles, mobile phones, and fisheries. Negotiations on these are still in progress,” Mr. Ndorere clarified.
Mr. Morris Ongwech, Cargo Manager, Uganda Airlines, encouraged Ugandan exporters to improve the quality of product packaging and increase their cargo volumes for better freight rates. He appreciated PACEID for negotiating lower cargo rates for Ugandan exporters. “PACEID engaged Uganda Airlines on behalf of our exporters to provide more competitive freight rates for our exporters, thus the price discount to promote the Uganda and Nigerian markets, among other target markets.”
Mr. Morris Ongwech- Uganda Airlines Cargo Manager
Mr. Ongwech explained cargo handling procedures for different products: dried and refrigerated, as well as how to engage Uganda Airlines in Lagos, Abuja, and Kampala/Entebbe.
The virtual dialogue was coordinated by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) in Uganda and organized by Uganda’s Trade Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Ani Charles Bassey-Eyo. It aimed to identify barriers to bilateral trade and create actionable strategies to unlock trade and investment between the two nations. It was moderated by Olaniyi Omole, Head, Lani Merchandising Support, and Ms. Rowena Twesigye, Head of Markets at PACEID.