Uganda’s drive to position itself as a regional trade and logistics hub received a boost after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni held talks with investors from the United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry over plans to construct an inland port to support cargo transport and trade efficiency.
The meeting took place at State Lodge, Nakasero, where the President received a delegation from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an institution established in 1970 by an Amiri decree issued by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to organise and promote economic life across trade, industry, agriculture, digital services and professional sectors.
The delegation was led by Farid Belbouab, the Chief Executive Officer of Gulftainer Co. Ltd., a global port operator with interests in logistics and supply chain infrastructure.
During the engagement, the investors presented a proposal aimed at strengthening Uganda’s cargo handling capacity through the development of a dry port.
They explained that the proposed inland port would improve the handling of goods before and after arrival, reduce congestion, and lower the overall cost of doing business.
The investors told President Museveni that discussions with the Government of Uganda are already underway.
They expressed optimism that negotiations would be concluded soon.
They said they expect to finalise the first phase of the project within the next six months.
President Museveni welcomed the proposal and urged the investors to fast-track the process.
He emphasised that strategic infrastructure projects of this nature align with Uganda’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
The President noted that inland ports and logistics facilities generate wide-ranging economic benefits beyond cargo movement.
He said such projects create employment opportunities for Ugandans and stimulate demand for essential services.
“Uganda benefits from jobs as these projects employ many people, use electricity and water, and also stimulate local commerce,” President Museveni said.
The President further explained that dry ports are critical in facilitating smooth and efficient movement of goods across borders.
He stressed that their primary role should be logistics facilitation rather than revenue collection through taxation.
He said efficiency in cargo handling is key to improving Uganda’s competitiveness within the region.
President Museveni assured the investors of government support.
“I welcome the initiative and will support it,” President Museveni remarked.
The discussions focused on enhancing trade facilitation, modernising logistics infrastructure and attracting private investment into Uganda’s transport and storage sector.
The proposed inland port project is seen as part of Uganda’s broader strategy to strengthen regional integration, reduce trade bottlenecks and position the country as a key gateway for goods moving within East and Central Africa.
The meeting underscored Uganda’s growing engagement with Gulf investors as the government continues to court foreign direct investment to support industrialisation, export growth and economic expansion.
