By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L. H. D (Hon.) Updated at 1621 EAT on Thursday 14th May 2025

Cairo, Egypt — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for deeper economic cooperation between Uganda and Egypt, urging both nations to leverage their historic connection through the River Nile to unlock greater trade and investment opportunities.

Speaking at the Egypt–Uganda Business Forum in Cairo alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President Museveni noted that despite centuries of shared history, annual trade between the two countries stands at just $133 million — a figure he described as far below the potential of their relationship.

“What we lack, and what Egypt can help us attain, is investment capital and entrepreneurship,” Museveni said, emphasizing that Uganda’s economic growth has been shaped by the integration of philosophy, ideology, and economic strategy, but still requires reinforcement through stronger partnerships.

The Ugandan leader proposed a bilateral trade approach in which Egypt and Uganda exchange goods and services while tapping into broader African markets. He also addressed the future of the Nile, calling for a pragmatic and inclusive approach to resource management.

“Our goal should be prosperity for all, access to electricity for all, irrigation for all, and clean drinking water for all. By including these objectives in our framework, we can employ the most scientific and fair methods to achieve them,” he said.

President Museveni commended Egypt for its support in supplying Uganda with foot-and-mouth disease vaccines and welcomed the decision to establish a vaccine manufacturing plant in Uganda.

The forum witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) across sectors including trade and investment, agriculture, water management, community development, and diplomatic engagement.

President Museveni underscored that economic cooperation must be at the core of Africa’s progress, highlighting the importance of joint initiatives to boost production, create jobs, and develop critical infrastructure such as electricity and irrigation systems.