Uganda and India Deepen Diplomatic Relations Through New Forensic Science University and Strengthened Trade and Military Cooperation
World Business Journal talks to the High Commissioner of India in Uganda, H.E. Upender Singh Rawat, about trade between the two countries and joint work in academia and the military.
How have India-Uganda bilateral relations evolved in recent years?
India-Uganda bilateral relations have witnessed significant progress and collaboration. In 2023, our External Affairs Minister visited Uganda, culminating in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for establishing India’s National Forensic Science University’s first overseas campus in Jinja. This university specialises in cybersecurity and forensic sciences, and the 2024 academic program is now open.
India actively engages in development partnerships with Uganda, particularly in skill development, through the India Technical and Economic Cooperation Program (ITEC). Offering 125 scholarships annually, ITEC covers diverse fields and involves courses in India’s 300+ institutes spanning science, technology, IT, agriculture, administration, and media.
We support Uganda’s defence capabilities with 77 annual scholarships for military personnel in extended programs in India. Meanwhile, the Indian Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT) has been active at Uganda’s staff college in Jinja since 2010, with six rotating teams in the past 13 years.
Cultural ties are strengthened through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), offering 32 scholarships each year for regular university courses in India.
India is the second-largest investor in Uganda, with investments totalling over 1 billion dollars in the last two decades. This reflects our commitment to fostering economic and growth ties between our nations.
What is the current trade landscape between Uganda and India?
In terms of trade, the India-Uganda Trade Agreement, signed in 1965, grants both countries “most favoured nation” status. Uganda also benefits from the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme. Since 2004, a double taxation agreement has been in effect between the two nations, fostering deep engagement in the private sector to boost Uganda’s business with India.In the fiscal year from April 2022 to March 2023, India exported USD 560 million to Uganda, while imports were approximately USD 492.8 million. This adds up to a total trade volume of USD 1,053 million, a significant figure considering the geographical distance between the two nations.
In which sectors do you foresee a rise in collaboration and investment opportunities?
Uganda’s commitment to economic growth is underscored by its robust support for foreign investment, fostering an environment for sustained Indian engagement. Major Indian companies actively explore opportunities to initiate or expand operations in Uganda, capitalising on the favourable government stance.
The National Payments Corporation of India is currently exploring collaborations for Uganda’s digital payment infrastructure. Indian companies, exemplified by Tata Consultancy Services, play an active role in digital solutions, contributing notably to areas like tax revenue collection through software employed by the Ugandan government.
Considerable growth potential is observed in agro-processing and supply chain infrastructure, with Indian companies expressing keen interest in investment. Additionally, Uganda’s abundant minerals, particularly iron ore and gold, present substantial investment opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Given India’s position as the world’s leading consumer of gold, these sectors hold promising prospects for collaborative growth.
