By Stephen Bwire
The bilateral relations between Egypt and Uganda is continuing to flourish on the different levels guided by the strong political ties between President Abdel Fatah El Sisi and President Museveni, said the Egyptian Ambassador Mr Tarek Sallam during celebrations to mark the 67th anniversary of the 23rd of July National Day at Sheraton Kampala Hotel in Kampala.
Mr Tarek said that the economic relationship between the two countries is witnessing a major boost, as Egyptian companies working in Uganda continue to expand and new companies are coming on board. “The Egyptian government and private sector are doing a remarkable effort to increase the bilateral trade,” he said, adding, “In this regard, Egypt is keen to meet its demand from strategic commodities from Uganda, and to increase the investments in the industrial sector to positively contribute in the Ugandan economy.”
Uganda is the leading regional investment destination for Egyptian businesses and companies setting shop including Arab Contractors, Mantrac, Mac East Africa, el sweedy electric, Cairo Bank, Egypt Air, Egypt-Uganda Food Security Company, and among others.
Mr Tarek emphasized the strategic priority of development cooperation between Egypt and African countries singling out critical development projects in Uganda namely; phase 2 of the project for eliminating floods risks in Kasese, the implementation of the agreement on establishing a solar power plant in Busia, and finalizing the weed management project in areas around Lake Albert and Kyoga.
He further revealed that the Egyptian agency for partnership for development is also continuing to present nearly 180 annual scholarships in different fields of capacity building for Ugandan government officials.
“These examples of Egypt’s sincere policy to share as much of its capacity and experience with African nations are despite our economic challenges and austerity measures. I would say it’s Egypt’s commitment for Uganda that we rise together and achieve our mutual interest,” he said in his key note address to the gathering which included Government ministers, diplomats, military officials, MPs and the press.
At the continental level, the Ambassador said that Egypt will host the African Union post conflict centre for reconstruction and development, which will be an important addition to the African institutions dealing with continental peace and security. Egypt currently holds the AU annual rotational chair.
“Last week during the extra ordinary African summit in Niamey, the dream of a continental free trade area came to life, a landmark achievement during the Egyptian chairmanship that will certainly promote inter African trade and boost African economies,” he said.
Treating Hepatitis B & C
Being aware of the social needs of the African nations, said Mr Tarek, the Egyptian President H.E Abdel Fatah el Sisi has launched an initiative to treat one million African citizens from hepatitis B & C.
“Egypt in this regard is sharing its successful national experience to eliminate one of the most threatening diseases that represented a burden on the societies and governments for a long time.”
On the national level, the Ambassador said that Egypt is witnessing important changes aiming at building a strong and stable society, and to establish the foundations for a solid and diverse economy.
Defeating terrorism
“Additionally, the Egyptian army has succeeded in fighting terrorism in the narrow area of Sinai that witnessed some terrorism activities, the operation Sinai 2018 has achieved its goals and the security situation witnessed major improvements.
It’s notable in this regard that south Sinai and large parts of its north are safe for tourists and are not part of any military operations.
Mr Tarek was proud of Egypt hosting the African cup of nations, and that the supporters from the African countries are transforming the hosting Egyptian cities into a wonderful sport festival.
Uganda grateful to Egypt
On his part, the second deputy prime minister and minister for East African Affair Mr Kirunda Kivejinja, who was the chief government representative to the occasion, congratulated President Abdel Fatah El sisi and indeed Africa as whole on witnessing the launch of the operational phase of the African continental Free Trade area in Niamey on July 07, 2019. The CFTA will be the world’s largest free trade area since formation of the world Trade Organization. It’s expected to bring together 54-member countries of the African Union with a market of more than 1.2 billion people, including a growing middle class, and a combined gross domestic product of more than 3.4 trillion Us dollars. The CFTA has potential to boost intra African trade by 52.3 % by eliminating import duties.
He also commended the Egyptian government for the support in the management and development of water resources such as with respect to the water weed control project. “This support has enabled us to sustainably manage problems associated with flooding and controlled the water hyacinth on Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga,” he said.
