KAMPALA, UGANDA – President Yoweri Museveni has thrown his support behind a plan by investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to construct a major inland port and logistics hub aimed at streamlining cargo transport and regional trade in Uganda.
Museveni met today with a delegation from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Mr. Farid Belbouab, the chief executive officer of Gulftainer Co. Ltd., at State Lodge, Nakasero.
The investors presented a detailed proposal focused on enhancing the handling of goods at dry ports, both before and after their arrival. They argued that the new infrastructure would result in a lower cost of doing business and increased efficiency across the region.
The UAE firm, which specializes in port operations and logistics, informed the Ugandan president that they are currently in negotiations with the government and anticipate finalising the first phase of the project within the next six months.
President Museveni advised the group to expedite the process, emphasizing the wide-ranging economic benefits such initiatives bring.
“Uganda benefits from jobs as these projects employ many people, use electricity and water, and also stimulate local commerce,” Museveni noted.
He further observed that the core function of dry ports should be to facilitate efficient logistics and ease the movement of goods, rather than serving primarily as tax collection points.
Museveni pledged the government’s full support for its implementation, as part of a broader push to boost regional economic integration.
