By Mohamed Nasser Al-Harthi
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Uganda’s indigenous merchants played an essential role in establishing local markets and trading in food, textiles and other goods.
As commercial and cultural relations between Uganda and the Sultanate of Oman developed, dating back to 1844 AD and spanning more than 180 years, goods, customs and traditions moved between the two communities.
Two notable examples are the bikoyi, the traditional Omani wizrah or wrap, and the kanzu, a garment related to the dishdasha.
Bikoyi was once manufactured in different villages and regions of Oman. Some names used for these garments in Uganda, including Qurayati, Sumaili and Bula, are associated with the Omani places of Qurayyat, Sumayil and Ibra.
Once regarded as a prestigious item of women’s clothing in Uganda, bikoyi is now used for a variety of occasions and purposes and are now processed international garment factories
Another important connection lies in the dishdasha which was traditionally knitted by Omani mothers by hand, particularly in Oman’s Sharqiya region. This clothing tradition travelled to Uganda, where Ugandan tailors began tailoring the kanzu, preserving distinctive features such as the mrera decorative trim and other traditional stitching details.
Today, the kanzu is an established part of Ugandan traditional dress, with a wide range of designs and uses.
In Oman, tailors like Said Toki of Ibra are helping revive the older Sharqiya dishdasha style, renewing interest in this heritage in its place of origin.
Meanwhile, platforms such as *Kanzu.Uganda* and *Bikoyi.Uganda* demonstrate how modern marketing can expand the reach of these garments and increase demand both locally and internationally.
This shared heritage recognises the contributions of Ugandan merchants and old Omani local village manufacturers, as well as the Ugandan tailors who have carried these clothing traditions forward.
*It shows how cultural exchange can connect the past with the present and create new opportunities for cooperation between Uganda and the Sultanate of Oman*
