The primary goal of user acceptance testing (UAT) is to validate that a software application meets the needs and expectations of its end users before launch. UAT is typically conducted by actual users who test the system in real-world scenarios to identify any issues or discrepancies. This phase ensures that the application is user-friendly, functional, and meets specified requirements. Successful UAT leads to improved user satisfaction and minimizes post-launch complications, making it a critical step in the software development lifecycle.