By Our Staff Reporter

Kampala, Uganda | September 24, 2026
Sweden is exploring increased investment and commercial cooperation with Uganda, particularly in the energy and transport sectors, as the two countries seek to deepen economic and business ties.

The interest was highlighted during a meeting between the Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, and the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Anna-Maria Olsson, on September 23, 2026.

Ambassador Olsson visited SHIPU together with the Swedish Embassy’s Head of Political, Economic and Commercial Affairs, Lotta Segerström, for discussions focused on investor protection, trade and opportunities for stronger private-sector cooperation between the two countries.

Col. Nakalema assured Swedish investors that Uganda is committed to creating a supportive investment environment and addressing administrative challenges that may delay or discourage investment.

She explained that SHIPU works with government ministries, departments and agencies to help investors access the appropriate institutions and obtain coordinated responses to their concerns.

“We are committed to creating an investment environment where investors can conduct their due diligence early, access the right government institutions and receive coordinated support throughout their investment journey,” Col. Nakalema said.

During the meeting, she also demonstrated the Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP), a digital platform intended to assist investors in conducting due diligence and connecting with relevant government agencies before committing their resources.

Col. Nakalema said Uganda is also interested in strengthening cooperation with Sweden in technology and innovation, particularly initiatives that can create employment opportunities and equip young Ugandans with skills relevant to the changing economy.

She highlighted Uganda’s priority investment areas under the Agro-processing, Tourism, Minerals, and Science and Technology (ATMS) framework, which the government is promoting to increase production, value addition and employment.

For her part, Ambassador Olsson said trade and business remain important components of the relationship between Sweden and Uganda, with economic diplomacy forming a key part of Sweden’s engagement with the country.

She identified energy and transport as sectors with potential for expanded commercial cooperation, signalling Sweden’s interest in Uganda’s growing investment opportunities.

The ambassador also explained Sweden’s “Team Sweden” approach to commercial diplomacy, which brings together the Swedish Embassy, Business Sweden, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Swedfund and Sweden’s export financing system to support private-sector development.

Beyond traditional investment sectors, Ambassador Olsson highlighted the potential of the creative economy, noting that Sweden exports approximately US$500 million worth of creative arts annually.

She said Uganda could draw opportunities from developing its own creative industries, particularly by nurturing young talent and investing in areas capable of generating employment and income for the country’s youthful population.

The meeting ended with SHIPU reaffirming its commitment to protecting Swedish foreign direct investment in Uganda and facilitating stronger partnerships between Swedish companies and Ugandan businesses.

The engagement comes as Uganda continues to position itself as an investment destination while seeking to attract capital, technology, skills and partnerships capable of supporting industrialisation and job creation.