UGANDA: Relations between Egypt and Uganda witnessed significant growth after the January 25 Revolution, the Egyptian ambassador to Uganda Sabri Majdi Sabri said recently. “All Egyptian sectors must determine new methods of cooperation with Uganda to support the partnership,” Sabri said. The ambassador also claims that the Nile River will not cause conflicts between the Nile Basin countries during the next 30 years. “Nile Basin countries believe that the Nile is a resource for development, not for disputes,” he added. The Ugandan population needs more production and resources for energy, the ambassador claims. They need new electrical plants to replace the current system of deforestation for fuel. Ugandans consume four billion tons of wood daily for fuel. The price of a cooking coal sack rose to U.S. $30 from U.S. $8 recently. “Deforestation affects the rate of rainfall and the water in the Nile,” said Sabri. All concerned Nile Basin countries agree on the significance of preserving the river's environment. “Uganda needs supplementary irrigation projects to combat declining rainfall and drought,” Sabri said. “Egypt is working to help Ugandans create a series of dams to preserve rainfall.” Ugandan President Museveni emphasizes the need to encourage investment and partnership between private sector foreigners and local area sectors, the ambassador claims. “This is the best way to increase the rate of development, particularly in the agricultural field.” The Ugandan President also claims that Egyptian investors must closely study the Ugandan market and recognize Ugandan needs and priorities. Uganda must carry out new transportation projects, like road and bridge construction. This requires serious investors, the ambassador said. Ugandan will provide facilities and exceptions for foreign investment. The Egyptian Export Council of Fertilizers and Chemicals sent two members to study the Ugandan market prior to holding a meeting between Egyptian and Ugandan businessmen in Kampala, the Ugandan capital. Egyptian businessmen can establish a commercial center for Egyptian goods and products in Uganda, the ambassador claims. “This will cost initial investment but it will bring economic returns in the long run; it provides the opportunity to establish industrial and agricultural projects.”
