His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa
H.E. Mr Alastair Long His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa
Alastair Long was appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa with effect from 1 August. Prior to this appointment, he served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from August 2023.
He previously served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and subsequently as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022.
Alastair joined the Foreign Office in 2002. His previous postings in the Middle East and North Africa include:
CEO, Blencowe Resources Plc
Mike Ralston is the Chief Executive Officer of Blencowe Resources Plc, the London-listed graphite development company advancing the 100% owned Orom-Cross Graphite Project in northern Uganda.
Orom-Cross is positioned by Blencowe as a world-class graphite project, with first production targeted for 2026. The company highlights the project’s scale, high-value jumbo and large-flake graphite profile, shallow open-pit characteristics, low strip ratio, free-digging potential and a 21-year mining licence.
Mike is based in Perth, Australia, and brings senior executive experience across early-stage resource development, project financing and mine delivery. Blencowe’s management profile describes him as a Chartered Accountant with 25 years’ experience developing businesses worldwide, including considerable African experience. He has raised more than A$300 million in debt and equity, and has helped develop mining companies from start-up through to production.
His previous senior roles include Managing Director of Balamara Resources Ltd, which developed large-scale coal projects in Poland, and Chief Financial Officer of Kangaroo Resources Ltd, which developed coal projects in Indonesia before a trade sale to a major Indonesian coal producer.
Mike also brings wider African commercial experience. Before moving to Australia, he managed the expansion of Africa Online, one of Africa’s largest internet service providers, across the continent.
At UKAIS 2026, Mike will contribute to the critical minerals discussion with a focus on graphite, supply-chain resilience, project finance, offtake structures, downstream processing and the strategic need for credible non-Chinese critical mineral supply.
His contribution aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, by showing how Uganda’s graphite resources can move from exploration and mining into value addition, processing, energy-transition supply chains and strategic industrial partnerships.Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja is the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, nominated by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in June 2021. She is the first female Prime Minister in the history of Uganda and still one of the highest-ranking political and administrative figures of the nation.
As a Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Nabbanja is responsible for policy coordination and implementation throughout the ministry and all other national government bodies via the Office of the Prime Minister. She plays a crucial role in advancing the economic transformation program of Uganda, coordinating the country's infrastructure, attracting investments, implementing the industrialization program, and realizing its national development priorities.
Previously, Rt. Hon. Nabbanja was the Minister of State for Health in Charge of General Duties and also served in Parliament as a Representative of Kakumiro District since 2011. She is recognized for her pragmatic leadership style, government coordination skills, and dedication to implementation-oriented public service management.
Rt. Hon. Nabbanja actively contributes to advancing the strategy of international trade and investment relations for Uganda, especially developing economic cooperation with the UK, India, and global investors. Recently, the Office of the Prime Minister hosted the UK-India-Uganda Trade Mission in Uganda, during which international investors, industrial firms, and partners had a chance to engage directly with Uganda's industrialization plan, investment potential, and production plans.
This mission helped strengthen the growing investor confidence in the Tenfold Growth Strategy of Uganda, under which the country aims at achieving economic expansion from approximately USD 53 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040 through industrialization, value addition, investment in infrastructure and energy, growth of manufacturing industries, and private sector-led economic transformation.
In her capacity as Guest of Honour at the 16th UK-Africa Investment Summit 2026, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja will bring substantial strategic value to the event. As the guest, she will represent Uganda, which is positioned as the Strategic Growth Partner of the 2026 Summit, and thus her appearance emphasizes Uganda's commitment to supporting trade, industrial cooperation, value addition in minerals, agro-industrialization, infrastructure development, and investment-led transformation.
Furthermore, the presence of Rt. Hon. Nabbanja at the Summit will contribute to the event's overall goal of advancing the UK-Africa-India commercial corridor.
In conclusion, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja's leadership and participation in discussions with international investors further enhance Uganda's reputation as one of the most promising investment locations in East Africa.
British High Commissioner to Uganda
H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE is the new British High Commissioner to Uganda effective 15 October 2024. H.E. Chesney was most recently High Commissioner to Sierra Leone from August 2021 – 2024.She has experience with a range of countries, multilateral partners and government departments, encompassing diplomatic, security and defence and development issues. Prior to Sierra Leone, she served in the Home Office, leading the UK’s Counter Extremism Unit from 2018 and acting as Gold Command for the Crime, Policing and Fire Group on COVID-19. In the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), she served as Deputy Head Security Policy, leading on strategic security issues and delivery of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. H.E. Chesney has also headed the Prevent Team within the Counter-Terrorism Department, FCDO. She has previously been posted to Mogadishu, as Deputy Head of Mission, re-establishing a UK embassy in Somalia and to Afghanistan, as UK Head of Politics and Strategic Communications in the Provincial Reconstruction Team, in Helmand Province. She has also held corporate and change management leadership roles and worked internationally in the private sector before joining the diplomatic service. Follow Lisa Chesney on X.
1st Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for East African Community
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga will speak on the critical role of regional integration in accelerating economic growth and trade across Africa. She will highlight the East African Community’s (EAC) progress in harmonising trade policies, removing non-tariff barriers, and advancing cross-border infrastructure. Emphasising Uganda’s strong commitment to the AfCFTA, she will encourage UK investors to use Uganda as a strategic entry point into the EAC and the wider African market, tapping into a more unified, accessible, and opportunity-rich trade environment.
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga
1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Republic of Uganda
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga is the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs of the Republic of Uganda. She plays a central role in coordinating Uganda’s engagement within the East African Community (EAC), advancing regional integration, and promoting cross-border trade and investment.
A seasoned lawyer, legislator, and advocate for inclusive economic growth, she served as Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda from 2011 to 2021, the first woman to hold this position. Over her three decades in public service, Rt. Hon. Kadaga has championed legislative reforms to improve governance, expand access to education and healthcare, and strengthen women’s participation in leadership.
In her current role, she focuses on accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) within the EAC, fostering regional infrastructure development, and promoting sustainable investments in priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy. She also represents Uganda in high-level diplomatic and trade forums, engaging with international partners to position East Africa as a competitive and collaborative economic bloc.
Rt. Hon. Kadaga holds a Master’s degree in Women’s Law from the University of Zimbabwe, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Kampala. She is recognised for her leadership in advancing gender equality, economic empowerment, and regional stability across Africa.
Minister of Internal Affairs Republic of Uganda
Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu is Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, serving in a senior Cabinet role responsible for internal security, law and order, peace and stability, citizenship, immigration, identification systems and related public administration functions.
His portfolio is central to Uganda’s institutional stability and investment environment. Internal security, predictable immigration services, identity management, border systems and public order all influence how investors, companies, delegations and project partners operate in the country.
Prof. Kamuntu brings long-standing public service, policy and economic management experience to his current role. He has previously served in senior Government portfolios and has been associated with Uganda’s work across economic planning, tourism, water and environment, private sector development and public administration.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, his contribution will be relevant to discussions on Uganda’s investment-readiness environment, institutional coordination, secure business operations and the administrative systems that support trade, mobility and long-term commercial engagement.
His perspective will be particularly valuable for investors, project sponsors, business delegations and development partners assessing Uganda as a strategic growth market. Issues such as immigration facilitation, investor entry, national identification, security coordination and rule-based public administration are important to the movement from investor interest to execution.
Hon. Prof. Kamuntu’s participation aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production. His role connects internal security, mobility, institutional confidence and public administration with the practical conditions needed to support capital deployment, project execution and production-led growth.Director for Business Development, Dott Services Ltd
Francis Magambe Byaruhanga Director for Business Development, Dott Services Ltd Managing Director, Kainoni Group
Francis Magambe Byaruhanga is a senior finance, infrastructure and corporate governance professional with 40 years of experience across Uganda and South Sudan.
He has held senior management roles in the roads sector, where he has overseen complex multi-agency infrastructure programmes, supported financial planning, evaluated investment opportunities and contributed to resource allocation for large-scale public and commercial ventures.
Francis played a central role in Uganda’s Road Sector Development Programme, which operated with a budget of USD 2.3 billion. His work included institutional policy formulation and support to government ministers in implementing road-sector reforms.
He also served as senior advisor to the Minister of Transport, Roads and Bridges in South Sudan, where he contributed to the establishment of the South Sudan Roads Authority.
Francis currently serves as Managing Director of Kainoni Group and Director for Business Development of Dott Services Ltd. He is also a shareholder in a transport, management and engineering firm. His board experience includes service as a Non-Executive Director at I&M Bank Uganda from June 2011 to December 2025, board membership at East African Medical Vitals Ltd, and membership of the Board Audit Committee for GA Insurance Uganda Limited from January 2026.
He holds an MBA from the University of Birmingham, a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Sector Accounting and Auditing from UMI Kampala and Glasgow College of Technology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Road Management and Financing from the University of Birmingham, and a Diploma in Human Resource Development and Project Planning from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Francis brings practical insight into infrastructure finance, road-sector development, project governance, transport systems, business development and the delivery structures required to move major infrastructure projects from planning to execution.
His contribution aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, by linking infrastructure delivery, transport corridors, financial discipline and institutional governance to Africa’s production-led growth agenda.Chair, India Overseas Trust
Mihir Patel, Chair of the India Overseas Trust, will highlight his efforts in mobilising the Indian business community to invest in East Africa. With strong ties to Indian industry leaders, he actively promotes cross-border partnerships and positions East Africa as a high-potential destination for trade, manufacturing, and infrastructure investment. His insights will focus on building UK–India–Africa collaboration, supporting SMEs, and leveraging diaspora capital to unlock sustainable growth across the region.
His Majesty’s Ambassador to Angola and non-resident Ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe.
Bharat Suresh Joshi is His Majesty’s Ambassador to Angola and non-resident Ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe. Based at the British Embassy in Luanda, he represents the United Kingdom and leads the Embassy’s work across political engagement, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, consular services and wider bilateral cooperation.
He has held senior roles across the UK diplomatic service, including British High Commissioner to Cameroon and non-resident Ambassador to Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic. His wider career includes diplomatic postings in The Gambia, Dhaka and Qatar, as well as senior FCDO roles covering security, ministerial support, crisis management, public affairs and regional policy.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Ambassador Joshi’s participation will bring an important Angola perspective to the Summit’s wider discussion on UK–Africa trade, investment and industrial partnerships.
Angola offers significant potential for British companies as it works to diversify beyond oil and strengthen private-sector-led growth. Priority opportunities include energy, infrastructure, agriculture, financial services, logistics, ports, water, transport, telecommunications, mining, manufacturing and tourism.
For UK businesses, Angola presents a practical market-entry opportunity where British expertise can support long-term development priorities. This includes project finance, professional services, engineering, clean energy, infrastructure delivery, agri-processing, financial technology, education and skills, governance systems and advisory support.
Angola’s long-term development vision places strong emphasis on modern infrastructure, economic diversification, human capital, sustainability and private-sector participation. These priorities align closely with the strengths of UK companies, investors, banks, universities, consultants, insurers, legal advisers and infrastructure operators.
Ambassador Joshi’s presence at UKAIS 2026 would help strengthen the commercial bridge between Angola and the United Kingdom. His contribution would support discussions on how British companies can engage more effectively with Angola’s investment priorities, while also helping Angolan institutions and businesses connect with UK capital, expertise and market access.
His participation aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, and supports UKAIS 2026’s focus on building credible trade corridors, mobilising capital and converting shared interest into practical commercial partnerships.Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Hon. Jonard Asiimwe
Minister, Office of the President in Charge of Science, Technology and Innovation
Republic of Uganda
Hon. Jonard Asiimwe is Uganda’s Minister in the Office of the President responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation. His portfolio places him at the centre of Uganda’s transition towards a knowledge-based, innovation-driven and production-led economy.
His mandate is directly linked to research commercialisation, digital transformation, technology adoption, innovation policy, high-tech manufacturing and the development of practical solutions that support national industrialisation. This role is important as Uganda advances its wider growth agenda, including agro-industrialisation, mineral-based industrialisation, digital infrastructure, manufacturing competitiveness and science-led value creation.
At UKAIS 2026, Hon. Asiimwe will contribute to the session on Institutional Trade Finance and Digital Infrastructure: Financing Macro Cross-Border Flows, Project Liquidity and Settlement Rails.
His contribution will bring a government perspective on how science, technology and innovation can support trade corridor execution, industrial platforms, digital finance, research-led enterprise development and technology-enabled production. His insights will be relevant to investors, DFIs, financial institutions, manufacturers, technology firms and project sponsors assessing Uganda’s next phase of growth.
The session will examine how digital infrastructure, settlement systems, fintech platforms, innovation ecosystems and cross-border financial rails can improve market access, strengthen liquidity and support investment flows across the UK–Africa–India corridor.
Hon. Asiimwe’s participation aligns strongly with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production. His portfolio connects policy, technology, industrialisation and finance with the practical systems required to move Uganda from market access to productive capacity, value addition and export-led growth.
At UKAIS 2026, his presence will also support the presentation of bankable science, technology and innovation projects, research commercialisation initiatives, technology parks, innovation hubs and high-tech manufacturing opportunities for potential inclusion in the official Summit Investment Brochure.
Founder, AI Policy Labs
Lord Uday Nagaraju of Bloomsbury Member of the House of Lords Founder and Director, AI Policy Labs
The Rt Hon. The Lord Nagaraju of Bloomsbury is a British Labour life peer, public policy specialist and technology entrepreneur with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, governance, innovation and future leadership.
Born in India and educated in the United Kingdom, Lord Nagaraju brings a cross-border perspective shaped by public policy, technology and community engagement. He studied Public Administration at University College London and has worked across grassroots politics, civic leadership, policy development and emerging technology.
He is the Founder and Director of AI Policy Labs, a London-based think tank focused on artificial intelligence policy, international cooperation, digital governance and the responsible use of emerging technologies. His work has included engagement on UK–India AI partnerships, digital transformation and the policy frameworks needed to manage technological change.
Lord Nagaraju has also been associated with leadership development through the Mahatma Gandhi Future Leaders Programme, an initiative designed to support future public leaders and promote ethical leadership, civic participation and social responsibility.
He was created Baron Nagaraju of Bloomsbury, in the London Borough of Camden, and was introduced to the House of Lords in February 2026.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Lord Nagaraju will give remarks that bring a valuable perspective on technology, innovation, public policy and the role of emerging technologies in shaping future trade and investment corridors.
His contribution aligns strongly with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production. His experience is relevant to discussions on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, skills, technology governance, innovation ecosystems and the practical role of policy in supporting investment-led growth across the UK, Africa and India.Minister of Works and Transport
Session 2: The Critical Minerals and Infrastructure Deal Room Focus Area: Power-to-Mine, Downstream Refining, and Logistical Bankability
Deputy governor of the Central Bank of Uganda
Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba is Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda and Chairman of REEV Group of Companies. He is an economist and public policy advisor with three decades of leadership in macroeconomic management, fiscal reform, and performance measurement across Africa. He earned an MSc from the London School of Economics in 1992, a PhD in Economics from Makerere University in 2004, an MBA focused on central bank monetary policy and commercial bank competitiveness in 2013, and a BSS from Makerere in 1990.
Prof. Nuwagaba has delivered high-level assignments for multilateral and regional institutions, including the African Development Bank, the World Bank, IGAD, UNDP, FAO, WFP, IFAD, and the East African Community. Recent work includes macroeconomic management in fragile states for AfDB, ex-post evaluation of IGAD’s Regional Investment Programme, and national capacity development strategies for Somalia and South Sudan. He led Uganda’s FINSCOPE financial inclusion survey, served on audit and advisory committees at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and contributed to mid-term reviews of Uganda’s National Development Plans.
His portfolio spans financial sector deepening, public expenditure analysis, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, land and resettlement policy, justice sector baselines, and infrastructure and agriculture impact evaluations. He has supervised doctoral and master’s research, published widely on urbanisation, poverty reduction, skills and employment, and economic transformation, and authored the 2024 book “Transformative Economics.”
Honours include the Golden Jubilee Independence Medal (2018), Paul Harris Fellow recognition by Rotary, and inclusion in “World Who is Who” (2004). A committed Rotarian, he has held leadership roles at club and district levels.
Prof. Nuwagaba brings an evidence-led approach to stabilising prices, safeguarding financial stability, expanding access to finance, and aligning public policy with long-term growth. His work bridges government, central banking, and development partners to advance investment, productivity, and inclusive prosperity.
Member of the Jordanian Parliament and Chair of the Economy and Investment Committee. on the conference
H.E. MP Khaled Mousa Abu Hassan is a Jordanian parliamentarian representing the Ar-Ramtha and Bani Kinana District. He first entered the Jordanian House of Representatives after winning the 2016 elections and has continued to serve through subsequent parliamentary terms, including the 19th and 20th Houses of Representatives.
He has held several senior parliamentary committee roles, with particular focus on economy, investment, public services, transport, labour, social development and population affairs. He has served as Chairman of the Economy and Investment Committee in the 19th Parliament and again in the 20th Parliament, strengthening his role in legislative and policy discussions linked to investment, economic development and private-sector growth.
His parliamentary work also includes participation in financial, education and higher education committees, as well as parliamentary brotherhood committees with Iraq, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. He has also been active in parliamentary friendship associations, including the Jordanian-North American Parliamentary Friendship Association, and formerly served as President of the Italian Friendship Association.
At the regional level, H.E. MP Khaled Abu Hassan has contributed to Arab parliamentary cooperation. In December 2021, he was elected by the Arab Parliament as Chairman of the Parliamentary Group for Science and Technology, formally assuming the role in January 2022. He has also served on the Financial and Economic Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union.
His parliamentary record includes more than 380 floor interventions, covering legislative, oversight, organisational and policy-related matters. This reflects an active role in parliamentary debate, scrutiny and legislative engagement.
Alongside his public service, H.E. MP Khaled Abu Hassan has a private-sector background. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alrawasy Holding for Entertainment Projects Management, a private holding company specialising in the development of shopping malls, family entertainment centres, food and beverage outlets and retail trade.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Jadara University and an International Diploma in IT Skills from the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge Centre for IT Skills.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, his profile is relevant to discussions on investment policy, infrastructure, public services, transport, private-sector development, science and technology, and cross-border commercial cooperation. His experience across parliament, business and regional engagement brings a practical perspective on how policy, investment and enterprise can support long-term economic growth.Managing Director | Chairman, UK–Africa Summit
As Founder and Chairman of the UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit, Willy Mutenza will deliver an opening address focused on the Summit’s progress and impact to date. He will share key updates, including strategic partnerships, confirmed speakers, and new areas of focus for 2025. His remarks will highlight the Summit’s evolving role as a catalyst for UK–Africa collaboration across trade, investment, and innovation. Attendees can expect an overview of achievements, ongoing initiatives, and a forward-looking vision to strengthen economic ties between the UK and Africa.
Member of the House of Lords
Member of the House of Lords
The Lord Raval OBE (Krish Kumar Sureshchandra Raval, Baron Raval of Hertsmere) is a British lawyer, life peer, and leadership specialist with extensive experience in interfaith engagement, leadership education, and social cohesion.
Born in Ethiopia to Indian parents, Lord Raval’s personal and professional background bridges Africa, India, and the United Kingdom. This cross-continental experience has shaped his work in public service, leadership development, community engagement, and international dialogue.Managing Director of Mandulis Energy
Peter BenHur Nyeko is the Managing Director of Mandulis Energy, a pioneering clean-tech enterprise driving innovative solutions in renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable development. With an ecosystem-focused, hybrid-renewable approach — combining Bioenergy with Carbon Capture & Storage (BECCS), Biomass Carbon Removal & Storage (BiCRS), and biochar technologies — Mandulis is delivering affordable, reliable, and scalable energy solutions across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Peter champions Mandulis’s model, which integrates satellite-enabled AI, circular economy principles, and nature-positive design to power rural electrification minigrids, public hospitals, electric mobility, and agricultural value chains. Leading the initial deployment of 12 hybrid-renewable minigrids from a pipeline of 60, he has effectively mobilised climate finance to catalyse green infrastructure investments and replicate sustainable energy access projects at scale.
Peter holds deep expertise in leveraging climate finance mechanisms to fund rural energy projects, decarbonise supply chains, and deliver carbon removals. His work underscores the role of cleantech innovation in enhancing biodiversity, food security, and industrial resilience while mitigating climate risks. Connect with Peter to explore how green infrastructure investment unlocks sustainable development pathways: mandulis@reparle.co.uk | www.mandulisenergy.com
Chairman & Founder Spotlight on Africa Investments Ltd
Hefin Rees KC Chairman and Founder, Spotlight on Africa Investments Ltd Senior Barrister, 3 Verulam Buildings, London
Hefin Rees KC is Chairman and Founder of Spotlight on Africa Investments Ltd, a platform focused on identifying, structuring and advancing investment opportunities across Africa. At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, his primary focus will be on Spotlight on Africa Investments Ltd and its work in connecting strategic capital, legal expertise and commercial partnerships to investment opportunities across African markets.
Hefin is also a senior barrister at 3 Verulam Buildings (3VB) in London. Called to the Bar in 1992 and appointed King’s Counsel in 2013, he brings more than 30 years of experience in international commercial disputes, civil fraud, company law, professional negligence, banking and financial services.
His clients have included governments, multinational companies, royal families, high-profile business figures and entrepreneurs. He has been called to the Bar in five jurisdictions and has represented clients across London, the Caribbean, Ireland, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Hefin is recognised as a leading silk at the Commercial Bar and is consistently ranked as a Tier 1 Leading Silk in Offshore Litigation. His practice covers complex litigation and arbitration, asset recovery, shareholder disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, professional negligence, banking disputes, fraud investigations, worldwide freezing injunctions, construction disputes, infrastructure matters and cross-border commercial cases.
He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and has received appointments under major arbitration rules, including LCIA, ICC, UNCITRAL, HKIAC, LMAA and SIAC.
Alongside his legal practice, Hefin is connected to Uganda and wider African investment activity through Spotlight on Africa Investments Ltd. His work is particularly relevant to strategic opportunities in mining, energy, infrastructure, project development, investment structuring and cross-border partnerships.
At the Uganda–UK Mining Week 2026, aligned with the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Hefin brings a valuable combination of legal authority, commercial judgement and Africa-facing investment engagement. His contribution will focus on how credible legal structures, investor protection, due diligence, governance, dispute prevention, arbitration frameworks and risk allocation can support bankable mining, energy and infrastructure projects.
His perspective aligns strongly with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, and with UKAIS 2026’s focus on connecting capital, legal certainty and project execution across Africa.MD, Globespan Infrastructure Ltd
Mr Nick Oliver Managing Director, Globespan Infrastructure Ltd Former Joint Chair, Department for Business and Trade’s Africa Infrastructure Board Mr Nick Oliver is Managing Director of Globespan Infrastructure Ltd, a UK-based infrastructure company established to structure and deliver national infrastructure projects across Africa. The company was founded as an export-focused business and is currently involved in structuring and delivering significant infrastructure programmes on the continent. Nick has more than 25 years’ experience in business development across Africa and the Far East. He has generated significant exports for Britain and is recognised as a procurement and funding specialist with deep experience in structuring and delivering complex international projects. He recently retired as Joint Chair of the Department for Business and Trade’s Africa Infrastructure Board, having served in the role for many years. This experience gives him a strong understanding of UK export capability, government-to-government engagement, infrastructure finance, project delivery and the commercial requirements needed to move major projects from concept to execution. Before his infrastructure career, Nick spent 20 years as a serving and reserve officer in the British Army with The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. He passed out from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he won the Sword of Honour for his entry. He is also Founder and Trustee of the Waterloo Military Families Fund, which raises funds for the families of British military casualties, and Chair of the South of England Branch of his regiment’s Veterans Association. At UKAIS 2026, Nick will speak on the infrastructure panel, bringing practical insight into how African infrastructure projects can be structured, funded and delivered. His contribution will be relevant to discussions on project preparation, export finance, procurement, public-private partnerships, risk allocation, delivery capability and the infrastructure platforms required to support industrialisation and trade corridor execution. His participation aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, and the wider UKAIS focus on connecting UK expertise, African project pipelines and long-term capital to executable infrastructure opportunities.
Minister of State for Privatisation and Investment
Hon. Hajjat Amina Mukalazi Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Privatisation and Investment), Government of Uganda
Hon. Hajjat Amina Mukalazi is Uganda’s Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, responsible for Privatisation and Investment.
Her portfolio places her at the centre of Uganda’s investment facilitation agenda, with responsibility linked to attracting quality investment, strengthening investor confidence, supporting private sector growth and advancing commercially viable opportunities under Uganda’s national development priorities.
Before assuming this ministerial role, Hon. Mukalazi was associated with Uganda’s local content and investment environment work, with a focus on ensuring that Ugandan enterprises, workers and suppliers benefit from foreign direct investment, particularly in strategic sectors such as minerals, petroleum, industrial development and value addition.
At UKAIS 2026, Hon. Mukalazi will contribute to the flagship session, Financing the Trilateral Corridor: De-Risking JVs, Capital Deployment, and Market Access. Her focus will be on Uganda’s investment facilitation framework, the privatisation pipeline and the policy commitments required to convert investor interest into confirmed capital.
Her participation is highly relevant to UKAIS 2026’s execution-led agenda. She will bring a government perspective on how Uganda can strengthen its investment climate, remove bottlenecks, support value-addition investments, deepen private sector participation and align international capital with bankable opportunities across infrastructure, industrial parks, energy, minerals, agro-processing and export-oriented production.
Her contribution supports the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, and reinforces Uganda’s role as UKAIS 2026 Strategic Growth Partner.CEO of UBA UK
Lok Mishra Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK Lok Mishra is an accomplished international banking executive with extensive leadership experience across retail, corporate, transaction and investment banking in developed and emerging markets. He has held senior executive roles across the UK, Europe and India, including serving as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank UK. In that role, he strengthened the bank’s UK and European presence, advanced strategic growth, and reinforced governance, regulatory engagement and operational resilience. Earlier in his career with ICICI Bank Limited in India, Lok held senior leadership positions including Group Head of Wholesale Banking and Global Head of Transaction Banking. He played a central role in expanding the bank’s global wholesale banking franchise, strengthening risk management frameworks, and driving customer-focused transformation across corporate and institutional banking. Lok has also led major digital banking initiatives across trade finance, cash management and retail banking, supporting innovation in transaction banking and cross-border financial services. His board experience includes serving as a Non-Executive Director of the Association of Foreign Banks UK and Union Bank of India UK, as well as Board Advisor to Revolut India on market entry strategy. In recognition of his contribution to financial services, Lok was conferred with the Freedom of the City of London. He holds an MBA in Finance and is a respected contributor to banking, regulation, financial markets and cross-border finance discussions. At UKAIS 2026, Lok’s perspective aligns strongly with the Summit’s focus on trade corridors, capital deployment and production-led growth. His contribution will bring practical insight into how banks can support UK–Africa trade flows, transaction banking, correspondent banking, investor confidence and structured financial corridors between the UK, Africa and global markets.
Owner, B.E.S (Europe) Ltd / BES Group
Mr Tim Hyde is Owner of B.E.S (Europe) Ltd, part of the BES Group, a UK-based engineering services company specialising in power generation, transmission, distribution and electrical infrastructure delivery across Africa and other emerging markets.Tim joined BES Group in 2001 and brings extensive experience gained from 25 years of living and working in Africa. He has played a central role in initiating and expanding BES Group’s markets across Western, Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, building long-standing relationships with governments, utilities and commercial partners. In May 2024, Tim completed a management buy-out of his fellow directors and became the sole shareholder of the business. He brings deep knowledge of African markets, cultures and business practices, with a strong track record in developing relationships at senior levels of government and commerce. BES Group provides design, procurement, construction and installation services for utilities and industrial clients. Its work covers substations, transmission and distribution lines, rural electrification schemes, urban renewal schemes, standby generation, base-load power stations, transformers, switchgear, prepaid metering systems, conductors, cables and related electrical equipment. At UKAIS 2026, Mr Hyde will speak in the infrastructure session, contributing practical insight into power infrastructure, electrification, grid expansion, utility procurement and project delivery across African markets. His contribution will be relevant to discussions on reliable energy for production, transmission and distribution systems, rural and urban electrification, project finance, export-led engineering and infrastructure delivery partnerships. His participation aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, and with UKAIS 2026’s focus on infrastructure that supports manufacturing, mining, agro-processing, logistics and production-led investment across Africa. ```
Managing Director, Pearl Bank, Uganda
Julius Kakeeto Managing Director, Pearl Bank Uganda | Chairman, Uganda Bankers Association Julius Kakeeto is a distinguished financial services executive with more than 20 years of local and international banking experience. He currently serves as Managing Director of Pearl Bank Uganda, following the institution’s rebrand from PostBank Uganda to Pearl Bank Uganda Limited. Pearl Bank’s leadership page lists him as Managing Director, and the bank states that it was granted its operating licence under the Pearl Bank name in November 2025. (pearlbank.co.ug) Under his leadership, the institution has undergone a major transformation, including its elevation to a Tier 1 commercial banking licence and its transition from PostBank Uganda to Pearl Bank Uganda. This transformation has strengthened the bank’s role in financial inclusion, digital banking, grassroots entrepreneurship, SME support, and agricultural value-chain finance. (pearlbank.co.ug) He also serves as Chairman of the Uganda Bankers Association, representing Uganda’s supervised financial institutions and contributing to sector-wide dialogue on banking, regulation, inclusion, and financial sector development. Kakeeto is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and holds an MBA from Manchester Business School. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme. At UKAIS 2026, his perspective is directly relevant to discussions on financial inclusion, development banking, SME finance, agricultural finance, digital financial infrastructure, and the role of banks in connecting capital to productive sectors. His experience aligns strongly with the Summit’s focus on moving from access to production, supporting bankable projects, and strengthening the financial systems required for Uganda’s industrial and export-led growth.
President of Responsible Gold
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CEO & Founder, Modularity Grid
Elizabeth Nyeko – CEO & Founder, Modularity Grid
Elizabeth Nyeko is the founder and chief executive of Modularity Grid, a London-based cleantech company using AI and cloud computing to make renewable-powered mini-grids more efficient and affordable. Her platform enables operators of off-grid solar, biomass, and other systems to monitor electricity consumption in real time, reduce waste, and redirect surplus power to critical “anchor loads” such as rice mills or community facilities.
A native of northern Uganda, Elizabeth co-founded Mandulis Energy while pursuing her doctorate at Oxford, where she managed a rural biomass mini-grid—an experience that inspired Modularity Grid’s mission. Under her leadership, the company has:
Secured a £1.5M Innovate UK grant to pilot its software on live mini-grids.
Earned recognition from Google’s Black Founders Fund, expanding into agricultural and telecom sectors.
Demonstrated 30–40% electricity cost savings for rural farms and micro-grids.
Named to MIT Technology Review’s “Innovators Under 35” list in 2018, Elizabeth combines deep technical expertise with lived experience to deliver scalable, sustainable energy solutions for Africa and beyond.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Absa Bank Uganda
Mr David A. Wandera Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Absa Bank Uganda Mr David A. Wandera is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Absa Bank Uganda. He is a senior banking executive with more than 20 years’ experience across commercial banking, development finance, financial markets, corporate finance, risk management and strategic leadership. Before his appointment as Managing Director, Mr Wandera served as Executive Director and Head of Financial Markets at Absa Bank Uganda, where he led sales and trading across foreign exchange, fixed income, derivatives and interest rate products. He also provided strategic oversight across operations, technology, governance and institutional performance. His earlier career includes senior roles at Barclays Bank Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Citibank, the East African Development Bank and the Bank of Uganda. This experience gives him a strong understanding of Uganda’s financial system, capital markets, regulatory environment and the banking structures required to support private sector growth. Absa Bank Uganda joins UKAIS 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, strengthening the Summit’s banking and finance platform. As part of a major pan-African financial services group, Absa brings institutional capability across corporate banking, business banking, trade finance, financial markets, digital banking and risk-managed capital deployment. At UKAIS 2026, Mr Wandera will participate in the finance and banking panel, contributing practical insight into how banks can support bankable opportunities across sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, SME finance, infrastructure, trade finance and digital financial infrastructure. His contribution aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, and the wider UKAIS agenda on capital deployment, project liquidity, SME growth, trade corridors and the financial systems required to move African opportunities from pipeline to execution.
CEO and Founder, Nexus Green Limited
Hon. Rikki Verma is the CEO and Founder of Nexus Green Limited, a UK-headquartered renewable energy company delivering large-scale solar infrastructure, clean energy systems, and sustainable power solutions across East Africa.
Rikki began his business career at the age of 17 and built experience across automotive, food distribution, international trade, and renewable energy. His entrepreneurial journey led him to East Africa, where he identified a clear need for reliable, affordable, and scalable energy solutions. Through Nexus Green, he has helped deliver solar projects serving government, agriculture, commercial, and industrial users.
Under his leadership, Nexus Green has developed into one of the region’s leading solar engineering, procurement, and construction companies. The company provides full turnkey solutions, including project design, engineering, procurement, installation, monitoring, and maintenance. It also works with international solar manufacturers and finance partners, positioning Nexus Green as a practical bridge between UK expertise, global technology, structured finance, and Africa’s renewable energy needs.
One of Nexus Green’s landmark achievements is its role in Uganda’s solar-powered water irrigation sector. The company helped raise €101 million in financing supported by UK Export Finance for the project. Through this programme, Nexus Green has delivered clean energy systems that support farmers, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute to Uganda’s wider development goals.
Rikki has invested significantly in Uganda and remains committed to the country’s green growth agenda. His long-term vision is to build Nexus Green into a leading renewable energy platform across Africa, with a focus on solar irrigation, commercial and industrial solar systems, power purchase agreements, energy storage, and local manufacturing.
This includes plans to develop a state-of-the-art solar manufacturing and assembly facility for solar panels and solar irrigation water pumps. The aim is to create local jobs, build technical capacity, support energy independence, and strengthen Africa’s ability to produce more of the infrastructure required for its own energy transition.
For the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Rikki brings a strong execution-led perspective on renewable energy, project finance, agricultural productivity, industrial power, and UK–Africa investment partnerships. His work aligns closely with the Summit’s focus on moving from access to production, connecting capital to industrial platforms, and supporting bankable projects that deliver measurable economic, environmental, and social impact.
Through Nexus Green, his mission is to make clean energy practical, affordable, and scalable. His focus is not only on selling solar products, but on delivering complete energy solutions that strengthen communities, support enterprise growth, and build a cleaner, more resilient future.
Country Director |Department for Business and Trade
Louis Arinaitwe serves as the Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade at the British High Commission in Kampala. With extensive experience in international trade and economic development, Louis leads the Department’s efforts to strengthen commercial ties between the United Kingdom and Uganda. He works closely with both governments and private sector partners to promote British exports, attract investment, and foster sustainable business growth in the region.
Louis is passionate about supporting businesses to access export opportunities and drives key initiatives under the UK government’s ‘Business is GREAT’ campaign. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have significantly contributed to the success of numerous bilateral trade projects.
For more information on export opportunities and to stay connected:
gov.uk/dit | Export Opportunities | DIT Twitter | Business is GREAT Facebook | DIT LinkedIn
Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Anti‑Corruption
Colonel Edith Nakalema
Head, State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Republic of Uganda
Colonel Edith Nakalema leads the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), the Government of Uganda’s dedicated mechanism for safeguarding investor interests and fast-tracking resolution of investment-related challenges. Appointed by the President, she oversees the operationalisation of Uganda’s Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP)—a digital platform that facilitates transparency, accountability, and timely support to both domestic and international investors.
Under her leadership, SHIPU plays a central role in strengthening investor confidence, addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and coordinating high-level inter-agency support to unlock stalled or delayed investment projects. Her unit serves as a strategic interface between investors and key government institutions including Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Ministry of Finance, and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
At the UK–Africa Business Summit 2025, Colonel Nakalema is championing Uganda’s commitment to creating a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, while engaging with UK partners to promote ease of doing business and cross-border commercial collaboration.
Founder– COMMONWEALTH PROSPERITY INITIATIVE
Mahendrasinh C. Jadeja, fondly known as Dada, is a highly respected leader, philanthropist, and community figure with over 30 years of dedication to public service, business leadership, and social development. A proud Gujarati and prominent British community representative, he has worked tirelessly to improve lives in the UK and across developing nations, particularly India. Renowned for his charitable commitment, Mr. Jadeja has actively supported causes spanning education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and disaster relief. He has led and mobilised fundraising initiatives for organisations such as Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and the Loomba Foundation, while also playing a key role in relief efforts following the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. A strong advocate of UK–India collaboration, Mr. Jadeja has helped build partnerships across sectors including education, healthcare, renewable energy, aviation, automobile technology, and tourism. In 2015, he led the UK Vibrant Saurashtra Business Delegation to India and shared the with India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He currently holds several prominent roles, Founder and Chairman of Jardins Consultancy, Trustee of Pass it On (Homeless Charity), Brand Ambassador for the UN-recognised Loomba Foundation and advisor to World Book of Records. Mr. Jadeja also made history as the first Asian National President of the UK’s National Federation of Retail Newsagents (2004–2005) and later served as Vice Chairman and Founder Director of NFRN Mutual Insurance. Honoured with accolades such as the Bharat Gaurav Award at the British Parliament and the GOPIO Award, Mr. Jadeja lives by his lifelong motto—to serve—continuing to inspire communities and future generations worldwide.
High Commissioner of Uganda to the UK
H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, High Commissioner of Uganda to the United Kingdom, will offer her insights on strengthening Uganda–UK bilateral ties, with a focus on advancing mutual economic and development interests through strategic diplomacy.
Drawing on her extensive diplomatic experience, she will explore how Uganda is positioning itself as a reliable trade and investment partner within the Commonwealth and beyond. Her remarks will cover Uganda’s efforts to expand market access, enhance its export profile, and attract British investment into key growth sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, and ICT.
She will also underline the importance of diaspora engagement in national development, showcasing how Ugandan communities in the UK are contributing to skills transfer, entrepreneurship, and capital mobilisation. In doing so, she will advocate for stronger institutional support and policy frameworks that encourage diaspora-led investment.
Highlighting a range of investment-ready projects, High Commissioner Madhvani will stress the importance of effective diplomatic engagement in building trust, unlocking new business opportunities, and fostering long-term, sustainable partnerships that support Uganda’s Vision 2040.
Country Manager, Colas Uganda
Lars Peter Jensen
CEng, MIMechE, MSc (Mechanical Engineering), MSc (Water Engineering), CBA, REng, MUIPE, PRINCE2
Country Manager, Colas Uganda
Lars Peter Jensen is a Chartered Engineer and Country Manager for Colas Uganda, a subsidiary of the international Colas Group. He brings over two decades of experience in infrastructure development, specialising in mechanical and water engineering. His academic background includes master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Water Engineering, alongside professional certifications in business administration and project management (PRINCE2).
Lars is a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK), the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, and holds recognised engineering status across multiple jurisdictions. In his role at Colas, he oversees strategic project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of sustainable engineering solutions in road construction and maintenance across Uganda.
Director – Head of Export & Agency Finance, Sub-Saharan Africa | Citi Bank
Youngsik AhnDirector – Head of Export & Agency Finance, Sub-Saharan Africa Youngsik Ahn is Director and Head of Export & Agency Finance for Sub-Saharan Africa at Citi, where he leads the bank's export credit agency (ECA), multilateral and development finance activities across the region. Based in London, he advises governments, sovereign borrowers, financial institutions, project sponsors, and corporate clients on structuring ECA backed, multilateral and commercial financing for strategic infrastructure and development projects. Youngsik has extensive international experience in export credit, structured finance and sovereign financing globally. Throughout his career, he has worked in New York, Hong Kong, London, Washington DC, and Paris, building broad experience across both developed and emerging markets. He has led complex cross-border financing transactions, working closely with export credit agencies, multilateral institutions and development finance institutions to mobilise long-term capital and deliver bankable financing solutions. In addition to his banking career, Youngsik served at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in DC and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, where he focused on sovereign finance and economic development. He holds an MBA from London Business School in the UK and is fluent English and Korean.
Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals
Mr Humphrey R. Asiimwe is the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, the private sector chamber representing Uganda’s energy, mining, oil, gas and extractives industries. Appointed CEO in March 2023, Mr Asiimwe leads UCEM’s strategic direction and operational execution, with a focus on industry advocacy, stakeholder engagement, investor support, local content, capacity building and responsible resource development. Through the Chamber, he supports structured dialogue between government, private sector operators, financiers, investors and technical partners on Uganda’s energy and minerals agenda. Mr Asiimwe brings more than two decades of professional experience across executive management, human capital development, organisational transformation, logistics, healthcare, public administration and banking. Before joining UCEM, he held senior leadership roles including General Manager and Group Human Resource Manager at Multilines International Limited, General Manager at International Medical Link, and Health Centre Manager at AAR Healthcare Uganda. His wider leadership experience includes service as Board Chairman of the East African Authorised Economic Operators Association and as a board member of the Uganda Freight Forwarders Association. His work across logistics and regional integration gives him a strong understanding of the infrastructure, trade and operational systems required to support Uganda’s energy and minerals sectors. At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Mr Asiimwe will join Panel 2: The Critical Minerals and Infrastructure Deal Room: Power-to-Mine, Downstream Refining and Logistical Bankability. His contribution will bring a sector-wide private sector perspective on Uganda’s energy and minerals investment environment. He will address grid-to-mine constraints, investor readiness, commercial bankability, local content, project preparation, critical minerals value addition, and the integration of power, mining, refining and logistics into one bankable industrial ecosystem. His participation aligns strongly with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, and with UKAIS 2026’s focus on connecting investors, operators, government and technical partners around executable infrastructure, mining and value-addition opportunities. ```
Founder & MD - Bizoneer Consulting (Rwanda) Africa Ltd.
Suman Alla Founder and Group CEO, Saaroneer Holdings LLC-FZ Founder and Managing Director, Bizoneer Consulting Rwanda Africa Ltd
Suman Alla is the Founder and Group CEO of Saaroneer Holdings LLC-FZ, a Dubai-headquartered multi-sector investment holding group with its Africa base in Kigali, Rwanda. The group operates across East Africa, the Middle East and India.
Its flagship company, Bizoneer International LLC, delivers ICT and cybersecurity solutions to financial institutions, government agencies and enterprise clients. The group also has interests in real estate, pharmaceuticals and FMCG distribution.
With more than a decade of experience building and operating businesses across the India–Africa–Gulf corridor, Suman works at the intersection of digital infrastructure, regulatory compliance and cross-border capital. His focus is on how operational resilience supports investable financial systems in frontier markets.
He serves as Vice Chairman of the Indian Business Chamber in Rwanda for 2026–2027 and was Assistant District Governor of Rotary International District 9150 from 2023 to 2026.
Suman has completed the Private Equity Masterclass at London Business School and the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.Executive Director at KM Sterling Limited
Daniel Owusu Frimpong
Executive Director, KM Sterling Limited
Daniel Owusu Frimpong is an accomplished media and business executive with over 25 years of experience in broadcasting, journalism, and event hosting. He began his career in Ghana with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Otec FM, and Peace FM before relocating to the UK, where he has continued to make his mark in media and corporate engagement.
As Executive Director at KM Sterling Limited, Daniel leads strategic initiatives connecting businesses across markets. He is also the Managing Editor of The Echo newspaper in London and host of Focus on Ghana on Vox Africa TV, a platform dedicated to promoting Ghanaian and African affairs to global audiences.
Renowned for his compelling voiceover work and dynamic stage presence, Daniel is a sought-after Master of Ceremonies for high-profile corporate and social events. His blend of media expertise, cross-cultural communication skills, and business acumen positions him as a key figure in strengthening UK–Africa relations.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the UK
H.E. Ms. Macenje Mazoka High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the United Kingdom Ambassador to Ireland and the Holy See H.E. Ms. Macenje Mazoka is the High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the United Kingdom, with concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to Ireland and the Holy See. She brings more than 30 years of professional experience across communications, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, business development, institutional leadership and public diplomacy. Before her diplomatic appointment, H.E. Ms. Mazoka held senior roles in the communications sector, including work with the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where her responsibilities covered stakeholder relations, partnerships, funding, policy development and strategic business engagement. In her role as High Commissioner, she supports Zambia’s diplomatic, trade and investment priorities in the United Kingdom and wider international markets. Her work is relevant to investment promotion, diaspora engagement, bilateral cooperation, export development and the positioning of Zambia as a serious destination for capital, industrial partnerships and regional trade. At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, H.E. Ms. Mazoka’s contribution would help strengthen discussion on Zambia’s investment potential, particularly in sectors linked to mining value addition, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism and regional trade corridors. Her participation aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, by positioning Zambia not only as a resource-rich market, but as a platform for processing, manufacturing, logistics, energy development and production-led growth.
Chairman Investment Committee and Board Director, EU Marguerite Funds
Dipesh J Shah CBE, OBE, FRSA Chairman, Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director Infrastructure, Energy Transition and Investment Leader
Dipesh J Shah CBE, OBE, FRSA is a senior board leader with extensive experience across infrastructure, energy, transport, financial services, public policy and sustainable investment.
He currently chairs the investment committees of major pan-European infrastructure funds focused on energy transition, climate and infrastructure. This gives him direct insight into capital allocation, project governance, risk management, investment discipline and long-term infrastructure finance.
His earlier executive career included serving as Chief Executive Officer of the UK Atomic Energy Authority and holding senior leadership roles at BP. He later chaired National Highways from September 2020 to the end of 2023, overseeing delivery of the UK’s second Road Investment Strategy, one of the country’s largest strategic road investment programmes. In June 2024, he was appointed CBE for services to transport.
Dipesh has held senior non-executive roles across major institutions and infrastructure-linked organisations, including Babcock International Group plc, Lloyd’s of London, The Crown Estate, Thames Water and Canaccord Genuity.
He has worked on energy transition and sustainable development for many years. Earlier in his career, he led the growth of BP Solar International into one of the world’s largest solar businesses and chaired the European solar industry association during an important stage in the sector’s development. He also served on the UK Government’s Renewable Energy Advisory Committee and, as a Crown Estate Commissioner, helped shape early licensing terms for offshore wind.
More recently, Dipesh served as independent Chair of the Oxford to Cambridge Partnership, a pan-regional initiative focused on innovation-led growth, sustainable development, infrastructure, data and investment promotion. The Partnership delivered its 2023 to 2025 work programme and closed in May 2025 after government funding ended, with its legacy assets transferred to regional bodies.
At UKAIS 2026, Dipesh will bring a board-level investor perspective to discussions on infrastructure, energy transition, transport connectivity and capital deployment. His contribution will focus on what makes infrastructure and industrial platforms investable, including project preparation, governance, risk allocation, blended finance, delivery capability and institutional investor confidence.
His participation aligns strongly with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production. His experience is highly relevant to Africa’s need for bankable infrastructure, stronger energy systems, transport corridors and long-term investment partnerships that can move projects from market access to production-led growth.Permanent Secretary Ministry of Internal Affairs
Lieutenant General Joseph Musanyufu is a senior officer in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and currently serves as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Prior to this role, he held the position of Joint Chief of Staff, the third-highest rank in the Ugandan military hierarchy.
Attorney General, Uganda
Hon. Sam Mayanja Attorney General of Uganda Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Republic of Uganda
Hon. Sam Mayanja is the Attorney General of Uganda, serving as the Government’s principal legal advisor and a key constitutional office holder within Uganda’s justice, governance and public administration framework.
His role is central to legal certainty, Government decision-making, contractual integrity, public-sector accountability and the protection of national interests.
Through the Attorney General’s Chambers, Hon. Mayanja provides leadership on legal advisory services, Government representation, negotiations, constitutional matters, regulatory obligations and the legal frameworks that support public administration.
His office is especially important to Uganda’s investment environment. Investors require confidence in the rule of law, enforceable contracts, regulatory predictability, dispute resolution mechanisms and clear Government obligations before committing long-term capital.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Hon. Mayanja’s contribution will focus on the legal and institutional foundations required to support investment confidence. His perspective will be relevant to discussions on legal certainty, investment protection, contractual frameworks, Government obligations, regulatory predictability, dispute resolution and the rule of law.
His participation aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, by connecting legal assurance and institutional credibility with the practical conditions needed to attract capital, protect commercial commitments and move projects from negotiation to execution.Senior Director, The Commonwealth Secretariat
Suresh Yadav Senior Director, Climate Change and Oceans Directorate The Commonwealth Secretariat
Suresh Yadav is Senior Director of the Climate Change and Oceans Directorate at the Commonwealth Secretariat, based at Marlborough House in London.
He leads work across climate change, oceans, climate finance, resilience and sustainable development, supporting Commonwealth member countries to respond to the economic, environmental and development impacts of climate change.
Through his role, he works with governments, development partners and technical institutions to strengthen access to climate finance, improve climate policy implementation, support vulnerable states and advance practical solutions for adaptation, mitigation and ocean sustainability.
Suresh is closely associated with the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, a flagship mechanism that supports small and vulnerable member countries to develop climate finance proposals, build institutional capacity and unlock investment for resilience, adaptation and sustainable development.
His work sits at the intersection of climate diplomacy, finance mobilisation, oceans governance, data-driven policy and sustainable economic transformation. He brings a strong Commonwealth perspective on how countries can move from climate commitments to bankable projects, stronger partnerships and practical implementation.
At UKAIS 2026, Suresh Yadav’s contribution will add strategic depth to discussions on climate finance, sustainable investment, ocean resilience, green growth and the role of Commonwealth cooperation in helping African countries attract credible capital for climate-resilient development.Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness & Value-Addition Development
Dr. Hillary Musoke Kisanja is a distinguished agricultural policy expert and Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness & Value-Addition Development to the President of Uganda. With deep expertise in agribusiness development and export strategy, Dr. Kisanja plays a vital role in steering Uganda’s transition toward value-added agriculture and expanded international market access.
He has led high-level initiatives to enhance agri-processing capacity, drive innovation across the agricultural value chain, and promote sustainable economic growth through strategic trade partnerships. His work bridges public–private collaborations to boost Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and global agri-export markets.
Dr. Kisanja holds advanced degrees in agricultural science and development policy and has represented Uganda at leading international forums on food security, trade, and investment.
📍 Be part of Uganda’s export growth story. Meet Dr. Hillary Musoke Kisanja at the UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025, taking place at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London.
🎟️ Register: https://ukafricasummit2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Country Director at Gridworks Development Partners
The in-charge of welfare affairs in State House Uganda
Irene Karamagi
In-Charge of Welfare Affairs, State House
Republic of Uganda
Irene Karamagi serves as the In-Charge of Welfare Affairs at State House, Uganda, where she supports welfare coordination, institutional care and administrative functions within the Office of the President.
She is also a public speaker on management and leadership, with a focus on personal effectiveness, organisational discipline, team coordination and responsible leadership.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, her participation supports Uganda’s official delegation engagement, protocol coordination and the smooth management of high-level meetings and delegate welfare.
Director and Head, UK, Confederation of Indian Industry
Ms Shehla Hasan Director and Head, UK, Confederation of Indian Industry Ms Shehla Hasan is Director and Head of the UK office of the Confederation of Indian Industry, one of India’s leading industry bodies and a major institutional bridge between Indian business, government and international markets. She has deep experience across the UK–India economic corridor, with a career spanning trade policy, investment promotion, business representation, stakeholder engagement and international market development. Before joining CII UK, she served as Executive Director of Manchester India Partnership and previously led the Confederation of British Industry’s India office as Country Director in New Delhi. Her earlier experience includes work with UK Trade & Investment at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, the Indian Chamber of Commerce, EEPC India and Business Standard. At UKAIS 2026, Ms Hasan will participate in the Tripartite Plenary Session, bringing the perspective of Indian industry into the UK–Africa–India investment corridor. Her contribution will focus on how Indian companies, manufacturers, exporters, technology firms and infrastructure players can work with UK and African partners to build joint ventures, industrial platforms, trade corridors and bankable cross-border partnerships. The Confederation of Indian Industry brings significant institutional value to UKAIS. CII connects Indian industry with government, investors, international institutions and counterpart business organisations. Its UK platform supports Indian companies operating or expanding in the United Kingdom, strengthens UK–India business engagement, and advances cooperation across strategic sectors including infrastructure, technology, skills, manufacturing, energy and services. Ms Hasan’s participation aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, and strengthens the trilateral focus on advancing the UK–Africa–India investment corridor through practical business engagement, sector partnerships and capital-connected industrial growth.
Senior Private Secretary to the 1st Lady
Irene Kauma is a seasoned author, certified leadership speaker and coach, and the inspiring voice behind the Dear Destined One podcast. With nearly 30 years of experience in administration, management, public service, and leadership development, she has dedicated her life to helping individuals and organisations discover, embrace, and walk boldly in their God-given purpose.
She is the Founder of HillCity Consult, a leadership and organisational development consultancy that equips leaders, teams, and institutions to operate with clarity, excellence, and lasting impact.
Irene currently serves as Undersecretary and Senior Private Secretary to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports in the Government of Uganda. In this role, she combines faith, public service, leadership, and administration with grace, discipline, and integrity.
Her leadership influence extends across several platforms. She serves on the Apostolic Team of Inuka Afrika, an apostolic movement on the African continent committed to raising transformational leaders. She is also the Uganda Lead for the Mantle of Deborah, an apostolic and prophetic vision that equips women to influence and transform every sphere, including business, governance, family, ministry, and society. In addition, Irene contributes her expertise through service on various boards, NGOs, and as an associate consultant with the Uganda Management Institute.
A devoted follower of Jesus, Irene’s personal journey is a testimony of resilience, purpose, and transformation. Having overcome rejection and low self-esteem, she has risen into a life of significance, service, and leadership impact.
Whether teaching in classrooms, coaching individuals, speaking on global platforms, or writing books that unlock destinies, Irene’s mission remains clear: to raise visionary leaders who live intentionally, steward their calling well, and build legacies that honour God for generations to come.
Minister of Lands Housing and Urban Development.
Partner, Kampala Associated Advocates
Elison Karuhanga Partner, Kampala Associated Advocates Main Moderator, Uganda–UK Mining Week 2026 Mineral Session Elison Karuhanga is a Partner at Kampala Associated Advocates, where he co-heads the Oil, Gas, Energy and Mining practice and also works across litigation, dispute resolution, banking and finance. A British-trained lawyer, he holds an LLB from the University of Kent and an LLM in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, completed as a Chevening Scholar. His experience spans energy, extractives, public regulation, banking, commercial disputes and government advisory work. Elison previously served as a State Attorney in Uganda’s Ministry of Justice and has represented government, private-sector and institutional clients in major regulatory, commercial and extractives-related matters, including upstream oil and gas licensing, production sharing arrangements and high-value mining disputes. As Main Moderator of the Uganda–UK Mining Week 2026 mineral session, he brings legal depth, regulatory insight and commercial discipline to a discussion focused on critical minerals, beneficiation, investor readiness, project bankability and Uganda’s transition from mineral access to industrial value. 🎟️ Register Here: https://ukugandamining.eventbrite.co.uk 🌐 Full Details: www.ukugandaminingforum.com Join us in shaping the future
General Manager, British Chamber of Commerce Uganda
Immie Bukko is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with a Master’s in Economic Policy Management and a career built at the intersection of social impact and investment, financial inclusion, and private sector development.
She brings extensive experience in partnership and stakeholder management, social and impact investment, CSR and ESG alignment, sustainability, and social protection. Her work combines technical rigour with people-centred leadership. She is a passionate advocate for livelihoods-focused investment, driven by the conviction that the most meaningful measure of success is the impact achieved in people’s lives.
As General Manager of the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda (BCCU), Immie leads the Chamber’s UK-Uganda trade and investment agenda, representing 63 member companies across 19 industry sectors. She works closely with the British High Commission and engages regularly with government, development finance institutions, and the UK business community to build commercially meaningful and socially responsible bilateral partnerships.
At UKAIS 2026, Immie will represent BCCU as a Strategic Partner, bringing Uganda’s private sector voice into the room and connecting UK investors with credible, on-the-ground insights into one of East Africa’s most dynamic and opportunity-rich markets.
Technical Advisor, Office of the President
Eng. Ronald Ssempebwa Kibuuka
Chief Engineer and Technical Advisor, Office of the President / Operation Wealth Creation, Uganda
Eng. Ronald Ssempebwa Kibuuka is a senior technical adviser and engineering leader working within Uganda’s Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) framework and the Office of the President. He plays a practical role in advancing Uganda’s production-led development agenda, with a focus on agro-industrialisation, infrastructure, rural industrial transformation, value addition and inclusive economic growth.
He has been a strong supporter of the UK–Africa Investment Summit on behalf of his office, using the platform to present Uganda’s industrialisation story to UK and international investors. At the 2024 summit, he highlighted Kapeeka’s role in Uganda’s industrial revolution, positioning private industrial parks as catalysts for manufacturing growth, job creation and economic transformation.
At the 2025 summit, Eng. Ronald presented Namunkekera Industrial Park as a national model for structured, scalable and inclusive industrialisation. The park, located about 65 km from Kampala, has expanded from one industry in 2015 to 24 industries, linking production, processing, logistics and export readiness. It integrates approximately 15,000 acres of farmland across Kyankwanzi, Nakaseke, Luwero and Kiboga, connecting farmers to processing, storage and export value chains.
His work is directly aligned with Uganda’s ambition to move from raw production to industrial value creation. Through Namunkekera and related OWC-linked initiatives, he has helped demonstrate how industrial parks can connect agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, energy, skills and export markets into one practical development model. The February 2026 UK–India–Uganda Multi-Sectoral Trade Mission also reinforced international confidence in Uganda’s decentralised industrialisation model, with Namunkekera/Kapeeka showcased as a key example of industrial park-based investment readiness.
For UKAIS 2026, Eng. Ronald’s contribution is especially relevant to discussions on Uganda’s industrial revolution, agro-industrial parks, rural production systems, infrastructure for value addition, investor-ready industrial zones, UK–India–Uganda manufacturing partnerships and the practical delivery of Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He is well placed to show investors how Uganda can turn agriculture, minerals, logistics, manufacturing and industrial land into bankable production platforms. His perspective connects policy ambition with ground-level delivery, making him an important voice for investors looking at Uganda’s next phase of industrial expansion.
Executive Director Uganda Development Forum
At the summit, Mr. Edward Katende will highlight how the Uganda Development Forum (UDF) is mobilising diaspora investment and public–private partnerships to drive Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. He will showcase bankable projects in key sectors like agro-industrialisation, renewable energy, and infrastructure, while advocating for strategic collaboration between UK investors, the Ugandan government, and non-state actors. As head of a national “Think-and-Do Tank,” Mr. Katende will also share UDF’s policy work in shaping inclusive growth, strengthening systems, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment.
Nelson Tugume – Founder and CEO, Inspire Africa Group
Nelson Tugume is a Ugandan entrepreneur, investor and industrial value-addition advocate whose work sits at the centre of Uganda’s coffee transformation agenda. As Founder and CEO of Inspire Africa Group, he is driving a shift from raw coffee exports to finished, traceable and branded products made at origin for global markets.
His enterprise journey began from humble roots in Rwashamaire, where he started trading while still young before building interests across automotive, media, youth enterprise and agribusiness. He later founded Nela Motors and became one of Uganda’s youngest vehicle import sector leaders, before launching Inspire Africa as a platform to mentor and challenge young entrepreneurs.
Through Inspire Africa Group, Tugume has moved from enterprise inspiration to industrial execution. The group is developing value-added coffee brands and products including Haraka and Inspire Coffee, with a focus on instant coffee, specialty coffee, roasted coffee, ground coffee and wider coffee-based innovations. His central argument is clear: Uganda must stop exporting raw potential and start exporting finished products, brands, culture and value.
At the 2025 UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit in London, Tugume positioned coffee as a serious industrialisation, tourism and investment opportunity. He argued that Uganda, as the birthplace of Robusta coffee, must move from exporting green beans to owning more of the global value chain through processing, branding, IP, technology, tourism and retail-ready products. He presented the Africa Coffee Park as a platform linking coffee processing, youth employment, tourism and brand storytelling, while challenging investors to back African enterprises that can compete from farm to shelf.
His message aligns strongly with UKAIS 2026’s “From Access to Production” agenda. UK market entry is no longer just about exporting commodities. It requires compliance, consistent supply, packaging, labelling, traceability, buyer relationships and clear product positioning across retail, hospitality, wholesale and institutional channels. Tugume’s work with Inspire Africa Coffee provides a practical case study of how African producers can move from origin supply to branded, value-added products ready for structured global buyer channels.
Founder/ Director NFT Consult Ltd
Badru Ntege
Entrepreneur, Technology Leader & Founder of NFT Consult Ltd
Badru Ntege is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology leader with extensive experience driving digital transformation across Africa. He is the Founder and Director of several pioneering ventures, including NFT Consult Ltd, a leading business process outsourcing and HR solutions firm; MediCloudOne, a health-tech innovation company; Banco Micro Capital, focused on inclusive financial services; and Clic.World, a digital platform enabling financial inclusion.
With over two decades of leadership in ICT, outsourcing, and business management, Badru has been instrumental in positioning Africa as a competitive hub for technology-enabled services. His work links innovation with talent development, creating opportunities for youth employment and economic empowerment across the region.
He serves as a Board Member at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), contributing to national economic development strategies, and as a Director at Weerinde Insurance, where he promotes access to inclusive and innovative insurance solutions. In addition, he chairs ICTsec, a platform dedicated to advancing cybersecurity awareness and infrastructure in East Africa.
Recognised for his visionary leadership and impact-driven approach, Badru continues to champion the role of technology in building sustainable digital economies, strengthening financial inclusion, and empowering communities across Africa.
Private Secretary to H.E the President of Uganda
Elias A. Mugisha is a Private Secretary to H.E the President of Uganda on matters of Public Sector Infrastructure at Statehouse where he has served for the last 15years and responsible for overseeing the Nation’s flagship Infrastructure Investment portfolio.
He is also an Infrastructure Planning Technical Advisor to the Board Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA) and responsible to consolidate all infrastructure plans across the National Development Plan.
He also serves as a Technical Assistant to the Chairperson of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for both Karuma (600MW) & Isimba (183MW) Hydro Power Plants at Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd (UEGCL) and responsible to coordinate and to monitor both projects.
Elias holds a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering & Environmental Technology and an MSc in Construction Management from Birmingham University.
Over the years he has developed a good understanding of the Infrastructure planning, economics & development and the political climate in Uganda, the investment opportunities and understands the needs for UK companies interested in investing in Public sector infrastructure projects in Uganda.
Member of Parliament, Tororo Municipality Republic of Uganda
Hon. Shyam Jay Tanna Member of Parliament, Tororo Municipality Republic of Uganda
Hon. Shyam Jay Tanna is a Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality in the Parliament of Uganda.
He serves on the Parliamentary Committees on Foreign Affairs and Science, Technology and Innovation, placing him at the intersection of Uganda’s international engagement, policy development, technology agenda and investment outlook.
Hon. Tanna has a strong interest in trade, investment and private-sector development. With a business background and practical experience as a businessman, he is particularly focused on identifying credible investment and trade opportunities that can deliver practical value for Uganda.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, his participation will support discussions on Uganda’s investment readiness, business partnerships, technology transfer, innovation, market access and private-sector growth.
He is also interested in successful business models, innovations and commercial approaches that could be replicated, adapted and introduced in Uganda, particularly where they support enterprise development, job creation, industrial growth and stronger trade links.
His participation aligns with the Summit theme, Trade Corridors and Industrial Platforms: From Access to Production, by connecting parliamentary insight, business experience and Uganda’s private-sector agenda with practical opportunities for trade, investment and innovation-led growth.Chief Executive Officer, Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC)
Chief Executive Officer, Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC)
Dr. Gerald Banaga-Baingi is the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC), the Government of Uganda's commercial enterprise established to manage the State's strategic interests across the country's mineral value chain. He is responsible for leading the Company's mandate to develop commercially viable mining ventures, promote mineral beneficiation, and position Uganda as a competitive destination for responsible mineral investment. With extensive experience in geology, mineral resource management, mining policy and strategic project development, Dr. Banaga-Baingi has played a key role in advancing Uganda's agenda for sustainable mineral development. His work focuses on strengthening partnerships between government and the private sector, accelerating investment in critical minerals, and supporting the development of downstream processing and value addition industries. As Chief Executive Officer, he is overseeing UNMC's role in implementing Uganda's new mining framework, building strategic joint ventures, attracting investment into priority mineral projects, and ensuring that Uganda's mineral wealth contributes to long-term industrialisation and economic transformation. Dr. Banaga-Baingi is a strong advocate for responsible resource development, local value addition and regional supply chain integration. His leadership supports Uganda's Tenfold Growth Strategy, with particular emphasis on mineral beneficiation, industrial processing, export competitiveness and positioning the country as a strategic supplier of critical minerals within regional and global markets. At the 16th UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Dr. Banaga-Baingi will contribute to discussions on critical minerals, mineral beneficiation, investment partnerships and the role of national mining companies in driving Africa's industrial future.
