Uganda Targets Regional Trade Gains with New Competition Law

Uganda is positioning itself for stronger participation in regional trade by enacting a new Competition Act, which government officials say will enhance the country’s ability to challenge anti-competitive barriers across borders and boost economic self-reliance.

Signed into law by President Museveni on February 28, 2024, the Act creates a robust legal framework to regulate market dominance, curb monopolies, and promote equitable access to business opportunities particularly within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

“The new law is more than domestic reform it is Uganda’s statement of intent to claim its fair share of regional markets,” said David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

“It ensures Ugandan businesses are not unfairly sidelined by entrenched players, both at home and abroad.”

To enable cross-border enforcement, Uganda has signed a cooperation framework with the COMESA Competition Commission.

The agreement allows Uganda to challenge anti-competitive behaviour in other member states and protect local enterprises seeking to expand into markets such as Zambia, Kenya, and Egypt.

“Regional trade integration cannot thrive when dominant firms in one country use their influence to block new players from others,” said Dr. Willard Mwemba, CEO of the COMESA Competition Commission. “This law gives Uganda the tools to protect its entrepreneurs from such practices.”

In addition to protecting competition, the Act will unlock new sources of domestic revenue through the collection of merger and acquisition fees, which were previously unattainable due to the absence of an appropriate legal framework.

These funds are expected to support Uganda’s regulatory institutions and pro-market reforms.

The government is also finalising a Consumer Protection Bill to accompany the Competition Act, which will define consumer rights and obligations—an effort officials say is key to building public trust and accountability in the marketplace.

Together, the two legislative measures are seen as a bold step toward improving Uganda’s business climate and asserting the country’s place in an increasingly competitive regional trade environment.