The Republic of Uganda
Position Paper for
United Nations on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Trade in the Face of Rising Protectionist Measures
This issue directly aligns with the United Nations Charter, specifically on Chapter IX (International
Economic and Social Cooperation). Article 55(a) of the UN Charter commits the United Nations to
promote higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and
development, while Article 55(b) calls for solutions to international economic problems through
cooperation. Additionally, Article 56 obliges all Member States to take joint and separate action in
cooperation with the UN to achieve these purposes. Promoting inclusive and sustainable trade directly
supports these Charter obligations by making sure that the global economy helps every nation gain fair
income rather than socio-economic inequality.
Background of Issue
Economic growth, poverty reduction, and long-term development for developing and least economically
developed countries (LEDCs) need inclusive and sustainable trade as the key factor in reaching these
goals. However, in these recent years, global trade has been facing increasing pressure from protectionist
measures like high tariffs, restrictive standards, and non-tariff barriers. According to the UNCTAD Trade
and Development report of 2023 specifically noting in Chapter II of the report that over 3,000
trade-restrictive measures were active globally by 2022, which makes it challenging for most developing
countries to access the international markets or even earn income. These measures has unequally affect
countries like Uganda that heavily depend on resource-based or agricultural exports and face other
difficulties, such as low production levels and high trade costs.
For Uganda, trade is vital for achieving economic transformation. As said by the Ministry of Finance, trade
and regional integration by organizations like the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market for
Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have supported development and export growth, though
challenges, including negative balance of trade and external protectionist measures, still persist. Civil
society analysis by Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI)
Uganda highlights that global trade and investment rules often benefit developed countries and global
enterprises more than other countries, which would limit their industrial growth and strengthen raw export
reliance. This makes inclusive and sustainable trade not only an issue economically but also concerning
for development and fairness.
Past International Actions
The international community has taken steps so they can support sustainable development in developing
countries and LEDCs. UNCTAD’s annual Least Developed Countries Reports and the Trade and
Development Report have provided policy guidance for building production capacity, diversification on
exports, and structured green transformation. The United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Trade
Framework strongly recognizee trade as a key driver of poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
Development partners such as the United Kingdom and other European institutions have been supporting
LEDCs through investment conferences, aid programs, and sustainable agriculture programs. These
efforts highlight infrastructure development, skills teaching, and responsible investments to power
long-term economic stability.
Country Stance
From Uganda’s view, sustainable economic development is important to fix poverty and a weak economy.
Over the past 5 years, Uganda has combined the Sustainable Development Goals into the national
