President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended an open invitation to Egyptian investors, urging them to bring forward practical solutions and capital to help accelerate Uganda’s economic growth.
The President is currently in Cairo, Egypt, for a three-day working state visit at the invitation of his host and counterpart, H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport on Monday, August 11, 2025, President Museveni proceeded to Al-Qubbah Palace, where he engaged with various groups of Egyptian investors led by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed El-Hamzawi.
The first meeting was with Mr. Tamer Shafik and Mr. Gamal Farid of Orascom Construction, one of Africa and the Middle East’s largest construction companies.
They presented proposals aimed at easing traffic congestion in Kampala through modern transport infrastructure, including light rail, elevated mono-rail, and underground metro systems.
Recalling his first visit to Cairo in 1969, President Museveni said he was well aware of the challenges posed by heavy traffic and welcomed the solutions being proposed.
“You are most welcome. Come to Uganda and we will discuss,” he told the Orascom delegation. “We are losing a lot of money in fuel in traffic without moving and poisoning the environment. The impact is not good, damaging the roads,” the President added.
Hon. Moustafa El Gendy, Vice President and Chief Advisor to the President of the Pan-African Parliament and President of Eugenie Investment Group for Tourism and Cruises, presented details of Egypt’s travellers’ insurance system.
He explained that under this model, an Egyptian travelling abroad pays a one-time fee covering them for the ten-year lifespan of their passport in case of accidents, sickness, or repatriation needs.
Hon. El Gendy said he was keen to introduce this idea to Uganda.
“This is a very good idea. Come and meet the Foreign Affairs Ministry and make your proposal,” President Museveni responded.
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mansour, Prime Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German University in Cairo, expressed interest in establishing a joint public university serving Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
President Museveni described the idea as promising and assured that it would be considered.
The President also held talks with Mr. Mohamed MohamedKhalil El-Tahan, Chairman of El-Tahan International Food Industries, who commended Uganda as the safest country in East Africa.
El-Tahan revealed that his company, which already produces cheese in Mbarara for export to the Middle East, Europe, and the USA, was interested in expanding operations and introducing new hot cheese products.
He also proposed the development of an agricultural and industrial city in Uganda.
President Museveni replied, “You come, I will give you land near Mbarara, we shall be waiting for you.”
On the proposed city project, he said they would study the concept further, adding that it might not be viable in Jinja but could be considered in another location.
The President’s working visit to Cairo will continue with more high-level talks and bilateral engagements.
Ugandan government officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, the Director of Citizenship and Immigration Control, and Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Ugandan Embassy in Cairo.
