By Karim Were
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Uganda on Wednesday for an official visit centred on regional security, economic cooperation and the future of Nile Basin collaboration, underscoring growing ties between Cairo and Kampala.
The Egyptian leader touched down at Entebbe International Airport where he was welcomed by former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda before proceeding for high-level talks with President Yoweri Museveni.
The visit comes amid increased diplomatic engagement between Uganda and Egypt on key regional matters including trade, infrastructure development, electricity generation and peace initiatives across East and North Africa.
At the centre of discussions is the River Nile, a strategic resource shared by several African nations. Egypt has intensified regional diplomacy over Nile water management as debates continue around equitable use of the river and the impact of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Uganda has recently advocated for a development-focused approach to Nile Basin cooperation, with President Museveni arguing that Africa’s biggest challenge is underdevelopment and limited electricity access rather than historical water-sharing arrangements.
Officials said Museveni and El-Sisi discussed broader continental affairs, regional stability and opportunities for stronger economic partnerships between the two countries as African states push for deeper integration and sustainable development.
The visit is expected to further strengthen Uganda-Egypt relations and reinforce cooperation on shared regional interests ranging from security to climate resilience and transboundary resource management.
