Uganda is intensifying its diplomatic outreach to deepen bilateral relations with the Maldives, with a renewed focus on enhancing cooperation in trade and tourism. This initiative forms part of Uganda’s broader foreign policy agenda aimed at unlocking new economic opportunities through strategic international partnerships.
The renewed engagement follows the formal presentation of credentials by Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, who has now assumed additional responsibilities as Uganda’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to the Maldives. Her appointment marks a significant step in expanding Uganda’s diplomatic footprint and fostering collaboration with the Indian Ocean island nation.
During a meeting with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Prof. Kikafunda emphasized the need to boost the modest trade volumes between the two countries, currently valued at approximately USD 422,000, and pledged to promote both government and private sector linkages to drive mutual economic growth.
Tourism was identified as a key area for cooperation, with Uganda’s rich natural heritage and the Maldives’ global reputation as a premier travel destination offering fertile ground for exchange, investment, and shared learning. Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the country’s commitment to developing joint initiatives that strengthen people-to-people connections and support inclusive growth.
The Ministry highlighted tourism as one of four priority sectors—alongside agro-industrialisation, rural development, and science and innovation—central to Uganda’s ambition to expand its economy tenfold over the next 15 years. President Muizzu acknowledged Uganda’s growing presence in the Maldivian market, particularly its chilli exports, and expressed his government’s support for expanding trade and tourism ties.
Discussions also covered visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders and foreign office consultations, all aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Uganda’s strategic engagement with the Maldives is timely, given the island nation’s booming tourism sector, which is its largest economic industry.
The Maldives’ breathtaking underwater scenery and diverse marine life continue to attract global visitors, and entrepreneurs are rapidly investing in tourism-related assets. Diplomatic relations between Uganda and the Maldives were formally established on November 30, 1993.
President Muizzu also commended Uganda for hosting the historic back-to-back summits of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77 plus China, praising Uganda’s leadership and commitment to advancing the ideals of these global organizations..
