Egypt has committed to providing financial support and helping secure funding for key water infrastructure projects in Uganda’s Nile Basin, according to a joint statement released Wednesday following high-level ministerial meetings in Cairo.
The pledge came during the third round of “2+2” consultations between Egypt and Uganda, attended by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam, along with Uganda’s Minister of State for International Affairs Okello Henry Oryem and Minister of State for Water Beatrice Atim Anywar.
In the communiqué, Egypt reaffirmed its willingness to provide support through the Nile Development Fund, stating that its approach aims for mutual benefit and cooperative gains, while upholding the principle of avoiding significant harm.
The discussions emphasized enhancing bilateral ties and promoting regional security and development. Both countries pledged to accelerate technical collaboration in integrated water resources management, building on an MoU signed in August 2025 and the outcomes of a Joint Steering Committee meeting held on March 30, 2026, aimed at advancing sustainable development in Uganda.
A central topic was Nile Basin governance. Ministers reviewed a progress report from the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) Special Committee, tasked with engaging member states that have yet to ratify the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). Both sides stressed the importance of continued dialogue to foster consensus and inclusivity among all Nile Basin nations.
Regional stability featured prominently, with conversations covering issues in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Great Lakes region. In their joint statement, officials underscored adherence to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence as outlined in the UN Charter and the African Union Constitutive Act.
Economic collaboration was another major focus, with discussions on translating existing agreements into tangible projects across sectors such as agriculture, livestock, petrochemicals, mining, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies.
The communiqué encouraged private sector engagement from both countries to expand bilateral trade and investment, building on outcomes from the 2025 Egypt‑Uganda Business Forum.
Further plans were confirmed to strengthen cooperation through the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, and various diplomatic and defense academies.
The statement concluded with the announcement that the third session of the Egypt‑Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission will take place in Kampala in August 2026, while the fourth round of “2+2” consultations is scheduled later in Uganda the same year.