President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met a delegation of investors from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Arab Emirates (UAE), who expressed interest in boosting Uganda’s cargo transport sector through the construction of an inland port.
President Museveni (C) shares a light moment with Mr Farid Belbouab (R) from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry after a meeting at Nakasero on Sunday. PPU Photo
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established by an Amiri decree issued in 1970 by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in order to effectively and vitally participate in the organization of economic life and the prosperity of its trade, industry, agricultural, digital and the professions sectors on all levels and in cooperation with the concerned establishments and bodies and local departments.
The President met the investors at State Lodge, Nakasero and they were led by Mr. Farid Belbouab, the Chief Executive Officer of Gulftainer Co Ltd.
During the meeting, the investors presented their proposal aimed at improving the handling of goods before and after arrival at dry ports, with the objective of lowering the cost of doing business and enhancing efficiency in regional trade.
The investors informed the President that they are currently negotiating with the Government of Uganda and expect to finalise the first phase of the project within the next six months.
President Museveni advised them to expedite the process.
He also emphasised the importance of such infrastructure projects, noting that they create employment opportunities and increase the consumption of essential services such as electricity and water.
“Uganda benefits from jobs as these projects employ many people, use electricity and water, and also stimulate local commerce,” President Museveni said.
The President further observed that dry ports play a critical role in easing the movement of goods and should primarily focus on facilitating efficient logistics rather than taxation.
He welcomed the initiative and pledged government support for its implementation.
“I welcome the initiative and will support it,” President Museveni remarked.
The meeting focused on enhancing trade facilitation, improving logistics infrastructure, and attracting investment into Uganda’s transport and storage sector as part of the broader efforts to promote regional integration and economic growth.