This study assesses opportunities for deepening Uganda–India bilateral relations under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) agenda. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the analysis covers trade flows, export potential and diversification, trade in services, foreign direct investment, business challenges and opportunities and, lessons from India’s experiences in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and health service exports.

Uganda’s trade with China remains heavily imbalanced, with Uganda largely exporting primary commodities such as gold and coffee while importing manufactured goods including pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and machinery. In 2024, Uganda exported about $92.6 million worth of goods to China, while imports from China reached $2.72 billion, leaving a large deficit. By December 2025, monthly exports were about $10.9 million compared to imports of $207 million, underscoring the scale of the gap.

Uganda’s relations with India offer lessons for service diversification and agro‑industrial growth, while trade with China underscores the urgency of addressing deficits through value addition and targeted export expansion. Aligning both partnerships with NDP IV priorities can foster inclusive growth and reduce structural imbalance. Uganda has untapped export potential to India mainly in gold, agricultural products, and emerging crops such as cashew. India’s export potential to Uganda is also substantial, particularly in pharmaceuticals, motorcycles, and agro-industrial inputs. In services, Uganda’s exports remain modest and concentrated in travel and consultancy, while India supplies high-value business and ICT services.  

For more insights, please visit:https://eprcug.org/publication/uganda-india-bilateral-relations-opportunities-for-trade-investment-and-collaboration-under-the-fourth-national-development-plan/