Faith Nyasuguta
Egypt has pledged to finance and help mobilize funding for key water infrastructure projects in Uganda’s Nile basin, marking a significant step in deepening cooperation between the two countries. The commitment was announced in a joint communique released after high-level ministerial talks held in Cairo, where both sides emphasized shared interests in sustainable development and regional stability.
The announcement followed the third round of “2+2” consultations, which brought together foreign affairs and water sector leaders from both nations. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam met with Uganda’s Minister of State for International Affairs Okello Henry Oryem and Minister of State for Water Beatrice Atim Anywar. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties while addressing broader regional priorities.
Central to the discussions was Egypt’s commitment to channel support through the Nile Development Fund, targeting critical water projects in Uganda. Cairo also expressed readiness to work with partners to mobilize additional financing, underscoring its intention to promote what it described as “mutual benefit and win-win cooperation,” while adhering to the principle of not causing significant harm to other Nile basin states.
Both countries agreed to accelerate technical collaboration in integrated water resources management. This builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2025, as well as recent outcomes from a Joint Steering Committee meeting held in March 2026. The goal is to support Uganda’s water infrastructure development while ensuring long-term sustainability across the Nile basin.
Governance of the Nile’s shared resources featured prominently in the talks. Ministers welcomed progress from the Nile Basin Initiative’s Special Committee, which is engaging countries that have yet to ratify the Cooperative Framework Agreement. Egypt and Uganda reaffirmed their support for continued dialogue aimed at fostering consensus and inclusivity among all Nile basin nations, an issue that has long been sensitive in regional diplomacy.
Beyond water cooperation, the discussions also addressed regional security challenges. Both sides exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Great Lakes region, reaffirming their commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence as outlined in international and African Union frameworks.
Economic collaboration was another major focus, with both countries exploring ways to translate existing agreements into practical outcomes. Priority sectors identified included agriculture, livestock, petrochemicals, mining, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. Officials also encouraged stronger engagement between the private sectors of both nations to expand trade and investment, building on momentum from the 2025 Egypt – Uganda Business Forum.
Additional areas of cooperation include capacity building and institutional partnerships through initiatives such as the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, alongside collaboration with diplomatic and defense training institutions.
Looking ahead, both sides agreed to maintain momentum through continued high-level engagement. The third session of the Egypt – Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission is scheduled to take place in Kampala in August 2026, with a fourth round of 2+2 consultations also expected to be hosted in Uganda later in the year.
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