CAIRO – Uganda and the Arab Republic of Egypt have committed to deepening their cooperation on the shared management of the River Nile, enhancing trade, and developing a transformative regional tourism circuit.
The pledges were made during Uganda’s 63rd Independence celebration organised by the Ugandan Ambassy in Cairo where Dr. Aziz Gebran, the Egyptian Honourable Minister of Labour, was the guest of honour.
Dr. Gebran in his speech commended Uganda for its pivotal role in fostering peace and security within the region. He specifically lauded Uganda’s leadership in supporting the Nile Basin nations, acknowledging the river’s critical importance.
“I appreciate Uganda for the role it plays in building peace and security in the region and also in taking leadership in supporting the Gulf Stream countries of the River Nile, because without the River Nile, they can’t survive,” Dr. Gebran stated.
Echoing this sentiment, General Charles Angina, Ugandas Deputy Ambassador to Cairo, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to its partnership with Egypt. He characterized the Nile as a divine gift that binds the two nations together.
“We pledge to continue working closely with Egypt, widening and deepening our relationship in protecting and ensuring that we share this resource which was given to us divinely as brothers and sisters on earth,” he said.
The General also extended gratitude to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for fostering educational and military ties, noting that Egypt’s historical status as a cradle of civilization makes it a natural partner for academic exchange.
“We appreciate President Sisi of Egypt for opening doors for Ugandans and Africans at large to go and study in their universities and in their Military academies,” Gen. Angina added.
The discussions highlighted the successful state visit of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (YKM) to Cairo in August. That visit was marked by the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) designed to boost trade and investment. Key agreements include plans to establish a joint factory for manufacturing products for both human and animal use, and the significant removal of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
A major focus of the new cooperation is a groundbreaking tourism initiative. Gen. Angina praised Egyptian Honourable Minister Mustafa El-Gendy for developing a master plan to end what he termed the “virginity of Lake Victoria.”
The ambitious plan involves introducing cruise ships that will ply the waters of Lake Victoria, connecting key ports in Kisumu (Kenya) and Mwanza (Tanzania). This water-based circuit is designed to ferry international tourists from the famed Masai Mara and Serengeti National parks directly to Uganda’s world-renowned tourist destinations, such as the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
This tripartite tourism circuit promises to unlock the vast economic potential of the Lake Victoria basin, offering a seamless and unique experience for visitors to East Africa’s premier attractions while significantly boosting regional trade and integration.