Entrepreneurs across Uganda who are battling to stay afloat in an increasingly crowded marketplace will soon have a chance to learn directly from some of the country's most forward-thinking business leaders and policymakers. The Pakasa Forum 2026 is set to bring together ministers, tax officials and enterprise development specialists for a day of practical guidance and honest conversation.
A Date Set for Butabika
The gathering is scheduled for November 21 at the Enterprise Uganda Centre of Business Excellence in Butabika, Kampala. It is being organised with support from Vision Group, Enterprise Uganda, the Uganda Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Centenary Bank and Pearl Bank.
This year's theme, Opportunities and Ideas for Growing Businesses, signals a deliberate focus on equipping participants with tools they can use immediately. Through presentations, shared experiences and open discussions, attendees will be walked through the opportunities available in government priority sectors under the agro-industrialisation, tourism development, mineral-based industrialisation, science, technology and innovation framework, often referred to as ATMS.
What Participants Stand to Gain
Beyond the big picture, the forum promises practical takeaways. Business owners will receive tips for success, insights into tax incentives and compliance initiatives, information on the value of enterprise development services and guidance on the benefits of collective investments.
The speaker lineup features entrepreneurs, ministers and technical experts whose work sits at the heart of Uganda's economic agenda. Their profiles suggest the conversations will be grounded in real experience rather than theory.
Sanjay Tanna: Trade Minister and Seasoned Investor
Sanjay Tanna, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives, will bring the perspective of someone who has built businesses as well as shaped policy. A long-time investor in eastern Uganda, he has worked across private enterprise, infrastructure and community mobilisation. He served two consecutive terms as an independent MP for Tororo Municipality between 2006 and 2016.
His ministry oversees the promotion of manufactured goods, trade diversification, co-operative strengthening and the expansion of markets for Ugandan products. At the forum, he is expected to explain how entrepreneurs can position themselves to benefit from priority sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, mineral development and trade.
Hajat Amina Mukalazi: Championing Local Content
Hajat Amina Mukalazi, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, brings deep experience in government policy, local content development and investment promotion. Before joining Cabinet, she headed the State House Local Content Unit and served as senior presidential adviser on local content and special duties. She took up her ministerial role in June this year, succeeding Evelyn Anite.
Her priorities include value addition, industrialisation, job creation and partnerships between local enterprises and international investors. She has also pointed to emerging industries such as electric mobility, including partnerships that could benefit local manufacturers like Kira Motors, as well as the exploration of natural resources including lithium deposits.
Her session is likely to be especially valuable for businesses hoping to become suppliers to large companies, access new markets or attract investment.
John Musinguzi Rujoki: The Tax Man Speaks
John Musinguzi Rujoki, the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority, is widely known as the Tax Man. Appointed in March 2020 and reappointed in 2024, he has overseen efforts to modernise tax administration, improve taxpayer identification and strengthen revenue collection.
His background blends mathematics, finance and technology. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Makerere University and a master's degree in computing and information systems from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom. Before leading URA, he worked in finance and audit at the Special Revenue Protection Services, a unit involved in combating smuggling. He later served as senior presidential adviser on ICT and investment matters and chaired the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda board.
For small business owners who often find tax matters daunting, his presence offers a rare chance to hear directly from the country's top tax administrator.
