By Joseph muyingo
Uganda is stepping up efforts to position itself as a regional centre for trade, investment and digital innovation as preparations gather pace for the inaugural East African Trade & Digital Transformation Summit.
The planned summit is expected to bring together government leaders, investors, technology experts and business executives from across East Africa and beyond to explore strategies for accelerating regional trade, digital transformation and sustainable economic growth.
As part of the preparations, a delegation from Heritage Times of London held a series of high-level engagements with senior government officials and leading private sector figures to assess Uganda’s investment climate and identify opportunities for regional collaboration.
The delegation met First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Hon. Sanjay Tanna, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Justin Kasule Lumumba, as well as prominent entrepreneurs including Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and Ham Kiggundu.
Kadaga said the engagements demonstrate Uganda’s readiness to host the landmark summit and its commitment to promoting cross-border trade, investment and innovation within the East African Community.
The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships between government and the private sector, with stakeholders highlighting the importance of creating an enabling environment for investment, technology adoption and entrepreneurship.
Business leaders such as Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia shared insights into Uganda’s growing private sector, which continues to play a key role in job creation, infrastructure development and attracting foreign investment.
Organisers believe the summit will provide a platform to showcase Uganda’s economic potential while encouraging stronger regional cooperation in trade and digital transformation, positioning the country as a gateway for investment and innovation in East Africa.













