The Board Chairperson of Mengo Chamber of Commerce, John Fred Kiyimba Freeman, has urged Ugandans, particularly business owners, to take active part in trade exhibitions, saying they remain one of the most effective avenues for gaining knowledge, expanding enterprises and unlocking new commercial opportunities.
He made the remarks during a meeting held on Monday at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, where officials from Nordic East Africa Business Expo (NEABEC) Consulting Oy of Finland paid a courtesy visit to present plans aimed at promoting socio-economic development within the Kabaka’s community.
The visiting delegation, led by Paul Jaaza, one of the founders of the organisation and its East Africa coordinator, was accompanied by Wambi Said and Rev. Phillip Fred Kato.
They presented plans for the Nordic East Africa Business Expo (NEABEC), an international exhibition that brings together traders, industrialists, education stakeholders, tourism players and professionals from various sectors.
The 2026 edition of the expo is scheduled to take place from September 8 to 10, 2026, in Helsinki, Finland.
Kiyimba said trade exhibitions remain critical platforms for learning, networking and business development, noting that they expose entrepreneurs to practical experiences from more advanced players in their respective fields.
“When a person attends an exhibition, they meet people who are already doing what they have always wanted to do or those operating in the same field but with greater experience and achievements, from whom they can learn and improve themselves,” he said.
He encouraged Ugandans to first take advantage of local platforms, particularly the upcoming CBS PEWOSA Exhibition scheduled for June 8 to 14 at Lubiri, Mengo, as a stepping stone to larger international opportunities.
On the Nordic East Africa Business Expo, Kiyimba called on participants within the Buganda Kingdom and beyond to work closely with the Mengo Chamber of Commerce to facilitate engagement with the organisers and maximise the benefits of the event.
“We are hopeful that this exhibition will yield many benefits based on the ideas and opportunities that have been shared during our discussions,” he added.
The meeting was attended by the Second Deputy Katikkiro and Treasurer of Buganda Kingdom, Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa; Buganda Kingdom Minister for Lukiiko, Information, Cabinet Affairs and Protocol, Noah Kiyimba; Buganda Kingdom Minister for Social Services (Education and Health) and Office of the Nnaabagereka, Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, among other kingdom officials.
