Odrek Rwabwogo, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID)
Uganda is seeking to restore and expand its access to the United States market following the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), according to Odrek Rwabwogo, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID).
Rwabwogo said the renewal of AGOA presents a renewed opportunity for Uganda to deepen trade relations with the US at a time when Washington and its African partners are working to modernise the framework. He noted that Uganda is well positioned to showcase progress in trade reforms and economic governance.
He described the extension of AGOA as not only a win for Africa but also a chance for Uganda to reset its engagement with the US, unlock new opportunities for local businesses, and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
“The extension restores a critical trade window for African countries and offers Uganda an opportunity to rebuild confidence among exporters and investors,” Rwabwogo said.
He added that PACEID has continued to push for wider market access despite Uganda’s suspension from AGOA in January 2024. During this period, the committee engaged extensively with US stakeholders, including members of the House Committee on Ways and Means, to support Uganda’s reinstatement.
Rwabwogo said these engagements helped open new commercial links in US cities such as Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta, enabling Ugandan businesses to remain connected to American buyers amid uncertainty. Efforts were further strengthened in December 2025 when the bill to renew AGOA was approved.
While welcoming the progress made, Rwabwogo stressed the need for sustained efforts toward full reinstatement—not only for Uganda, but also for other African countries that were suspended from the programme.
He noted that regaining AGOA eligibility would widen market access for Ugandan exports, attract foreign investment into export-led sectors, create jobs, promote inclusive growth and reinforce ongoing reforms aimed at economic integration.
AGOA eligibility requires participating countries to demonstrate progress toward market-based economies, adherence to the rule of law, political pluralism, due process, respect for human rights, and the removal of barriers to US trade and investment.
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