Uganda and India are working to expand their trade and investment relationship, with Parliament Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth calling for greater access to the Indian market for Ugandan goods and more investment in local processing facilities. Oboth made the appeal during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi on October 26, 2026, held on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
Current two-way trade between the countries stands at about $1.35 billion annually, according to Oboth. He said there was significant room for growth, particularly if Uganda could supply more products to India and attract investment in processing industries at home. Oboth highlighted Uganda's longstanding relationship with India, rooted in trade and history, noting the substantial Indian diaspora that has settled in Uganda.
Uganda joined BRICS as a partner country in 2025, giving it access to the bloc's engagement platforms and member states. Oboth said the country's participation in the parliamentary forum would contribute to broader discussions on institutional resilience, innovation, international cooperation and sustainable development. The delegation is also expected to engage with forum discussions on digital innovation and human-centred artificial intelligence.
Oboth led a parliamentary delegation that included Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, four members of parliament representing various constituencies and districts, and accompanying officials. The forum, running October 26 and 27, brings together parliamentary leaders from BRICS members and partner countries. Uganda's participation reflects its broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen international relations and identify new opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation.
For Ugandan business owners and exporters, deeper access to India's market could create new revenue opportunities, though success depends on competitive pricing and product quality matching Indian demand.