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Uganda Regains US Market Access with AGOA Reauthorization
Opportunities for Trade & Investment as Uganda Pursues Expansion in the US Market
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Uganda is actively pursuing a return to and expansion within the United States market following the recent reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This development, signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026, with retroactive effect to September 30, 2025, offers a crucial opportunity for Ugandan exporters and investors.
Why it matters
The reauthorization of AGOA restores a vital trade framework that allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda, to export thousands of products to the U.S. duty-free. This includes agricultural goods, textiles, apparel, and select manufactured items. Uganda's access to AGOA benefits was previously suspended in January 2024, making the reauthorization particularly significant.
The details
PACEID, led by Odrek Rwabwogo, has been central to Uganda's efforts to regain access, actively engaging with U.S. lawmakers to advocate for Uganda's reinstatement. These efforts contributed to the House Committee on Ways and Means approving a bill to renew AGOA with a strong bipartisan vote. Despite the previous suspension, PACEID has continued to support Ugandan exporters in maintaining connections with the U.S. market, helping businesses stay connected to U.S. buyers during the period of uncertainty.
- AGOA was reauthorized on February 3, 2026, with retroactive effect to September 30, 2025.
- Uganda's access to AGOA benefits was previously suspended in January 2024.
The players
Odrek Rwabwogo
Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID).
Senator Chris Coons
U.S. Senator whose office PACEID has been engaging with.
Congressman Jason Smith
Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means.
What they’re saying
“New commercial opportunities have emerged in U.S. Cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Atlanta, helping businesses stay connected to U.S. Buyers during the period of uncertainty.”
— Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of PACEID
What’s next
The United States and African partners are now focused on modernizing AGOA. This presents a key opportunity for Uganda to demonstrate progress in trade reforms and economic governance, as the reauthorization emphasizes the importance of market-based economies, the rule of law, political pluralism, due process, protection of human rights, and the removal of U.S. trade and investment barriers for participating countries.
The takeaway
The reauthorization of AGOA is a significant development for Uganda, offering a crucial opportunity for Ugandan exporters and investors to expand their presence in the lucrative U.S. market. Uganda's efforts to regain access, led by PACEID, have been instrumental in this process and set the stage for further economic growth and trade partnerships between Uganda and the United States.
