Kampala — THE Egyptian government has donated $4.5m (about sh8.6b) to Uganda to secure equipment for the construction of water harvesting dams and drill wells.
The Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, and Uganda’s Prime Minister, Apolo Nsibambi, held final discussions on the grant at State House in Cairo on Monday.
News of the grant was contained in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office.
Nsibambi is in Egypt at the invitation of his counterpart, Dr. Ahmed Nazif. The statement, however, did not state the areas where the dams and wells will be constructed.
During the talks between the Ugandan and Egyptian delegations, Nazif said Egypt is committed to consolidating its relationship with Uganda by promoting bilateral investment and trade.
“Egypt has a strong investment base. I urge you to facilitate our investors in Uganda,” Nazif said.
He pointed out the need for African governments to embrace the private sector, saying it plays a big role in the development of the continent.
Nsibambi applauded the Egyptian government for its support, especially in agriculture, water management, health, fisheries and human resource development.
“We need to work together to exploit the boundless opportunities in trade and investment,” the premier said.
Nsibambi urged the Nile Basin countries to reach a compromise on how to utilise the water resources of the Nile.
Other Nile Basin countries have complained about Egypt’s domination over the Nile.
Nsibambi was accompanied by the water minister, Maria Mutagamba, the regional cooperation state minister, Isaac Musumba, and finance state minister Fred Omach.
Joyce Namutebi
New Vision, 12 January 2010
