President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met and welcomed Egyptian investors to explore opportunities in Uganda, saying the country is ready to work with those bringing practical solutions and investments that can spur more development.
The President is in Cairo, Egypt on a three-day working state visit at the invitation of his host and counterpart, H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
After being received at Cairo International Airport on Monday, 11th August 2025, he proceeded to Al-Qubbah Palace where he met various groups of Egyptian investors led by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed El-Hamzawi.
First to meet the President were Mr. Tamer Shafik and Mr. Gamal Farid of Orascom Construction, one of the largest construction companies in Africa and the Middle East. They presented proposals to ease traffic congestion in Kampala through modern transport systems, including light rail, elevated mono-rail, and underground metro lines.
Recalling his first visit to Cairo in 1969, President Museveni said he was familiar with the challenge of heavy traffic and appreciated the solutions being proposed.
“You are most welcome. Come to Uganda and we will discuss,” he told the 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.
Insurance Package for Travellers
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, shared details of Egypt’s travellers’ insurance system.
Under the plan, an Egyptian travelling abroad pays a one-time fee that covers them for ten years — the lifespan of their passport — in case of accidents, sickness, or repatriation needs. He expressed interest in bringing this idea to Uganda.
“This is a very good idea. Come and meet the Foreign Affairs Ministry and make your proposal,” President Museveni said.
Plans for a Regional Public University
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 to serve Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. President Museveni said it was a good idea and they would look into it.
Expanding Dairy Production and Industry
The President also met Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Khalil El-Tahan, Chairman of El-Tahan International Food Industries, who praised Uganda as the safest country in East Africa.
His company, which produces cheese in Mbarara for export to the Middle East, Europe, and the USA, is interested in returning to expand operations and introduce new hot cheese products. He also proposed developing an agricultural and industrial city.
President Museveni responded, “You come, I will give you land near Mbarara, we shall be waiting for you.” On the city proposal, he said they would study it further, noting it may not be possible in Jinja but could be elsewhere.
The President’s programme in Cairo continues with more high-level talks and key bilateral meetings.
The meeting was also attended by Ugandan government officials including 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, Director of Citizenship and Immigration Control; and Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Deputy Head of Mission at the Ugandan Embassy in Cairo.
