Uganda partners with COMESA to fast-track implementation of competition and consumer protection laws

June 13, 2025 in Business, Policy, Trade & Industry by Editor

The Government of Uganda has entered into a formal partnership with the COMESA Competition Commission to accelerate the implementation and enforcement of national competition and consumer protection laws. The agreement was signed June 12,  at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in Kampala.

The move follows Uganda’s enactment of the Competition Act, 2024 and ongoing efforts to establish a Consumer Protection Act. The two laws are expected to promote fair competition, safeguard consumer rights, and support innovation in Uganda’s growing economy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, junior  minister for industry Hon. David Bahati emphasized Uganda’s leadership within COMESA in aligning domestic policy with regional standards.

“We are proud to be among the first COMESA Member States to ratify and domesticate the COMESA Competition Regulations,” Bahati said. “The Competition Act, which was assented to by the President on February 28, 2024, is a major milestone. We are now finalizing its implementing regulations, expected by the end of June 2025.”

Once the regulations are in place, the Ministry of Trade plans to establish an independent department to oversee enforcement of competition policy. Bahati also noted that the forthcoming Consumer Protection Act will provide Ugandan consumers with enhanced rights, including access to redress and more competitive pricing.

Dr. Willard Mwemba, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the COMESA Competition Commission, welcomed the partnership, calling it “a critical step” toward creating a fair and integrated market across the region.

“This framework agreement will help Uganda expedite implementation and allow local businesses to access markets across all 21 COMESA Member States more easily,” Dr. Mwemba said.

He also noted that Uganda now stands to benefit from COMESA merger filing fees—an incentive mechanism in which 50pc of collected fees are shared with national authorities based on their market share within the COMESA Common Market.

Mr. Kalegga Zackey, Commissioner for internal trade at the ministry of trade, confirmed that Uganda had previously missed out on these benefits due to the absence of a legal framework. “With the Competition Act now in place, we can begin to tap into these revenues,” he said.

The COMESA Competition Commission plays a central role in promoting market efficiency, investigating anti-competitive conduct, overseeing mergers and acquisitions, and protecting consumer welfare within the bloc.

Uganda’s alignment with regional frameworks is expected to enhance investor confidence, improve business standards, and empower consumers through greater market transparency and protection.