President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today held bilateral talks with the President of Egypt, H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, at State House Entebbe, with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen cooperation in trade, industrialisation, renewable energy, fish farming and the sustainable management of the River Nile.
President El-Sisi, who is on an official visit to Uganda, was accompanied by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Prof. Hani Sewilam.
The discussions focused on enhancing the longstanding relations between Uganda and Egypt, as well as addressing regional peace and security, economic transformation and water resource management.
President Museveni welcomed President El-Sisi to Uganda and called for practical cooperation aimed at fighting poverty and accelerating socio-economic transformation across the region.
He highlighted environmental degradation, particularly the encroachment on wetlands, as one of the major challenges affecting the Nile Basin. The President noted that many communities invade wetlands in search of agricultural land due to population pressure and limited economic opportunities.
As part of the solution, President Museveni proposed large-scale fish farming projects, saying aquaculture could create employment opportunities, protect wetlands and boost export earnings.
The President further observed that one of the key characteristics of underdevelopment in Africa is the overdependence on agriculture, with a large proportion of the population engaged in low-productivity farming.
He explained that Uganda’s development strategy seeks to transition more people into manufacturing and service sectors in order to reduce pressure on land and improve household incomes.
President Museveni also underscored the importance of electricity and renewable energy in driving industrialisation and economic growth.
On regional and international affairs, the President expressed concern over the prolonged instability in Libya, the conflict in Palestine and tensions involving Iran, stressing that Africa should continue advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
President El-Sisi congratulated President Museveni on his recent election victory and commended him for what he described as balanced and visionary leadership.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda, particularly in fish farming, renewable energy, industrialization and value addition.
President El-Sisi also invited President Museveni to attend the African Business Forum scheduled to take place in Egypt in June 2026.
The two leaders additionally discussed peace and security in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the wider Horn of Africa region, reaffirming support for dialogue, African-led peace processes and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
By Our Reporter
13th May 2026
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