Uganda’s President Youweri Museveni has met a delegation of UAE investors in discussions about construction of Uganda Inland Port. The investors are from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation has noted their interest in boosting Uganda’s cargo transport sector through the port. The meeting took place at State Lodge, Nakasero. The delegation was led by Farid Belbouab, the Chief Executive Officer of Gulftainer Co. Ltd. During the engagement, the investors presented a proposal aimed at improving the handling of goods before and after arrival at dry ports.
Main Objective
The main objective of the project is to lower the cost of doing business and enhancing efficiency in regional trade. They informed the President that negotiations with the Government of Uganda are ongoing. Furthermore, they noted that they expect to finalize the first phase of the project within the next six months. The President advised them to expedite the process. However, despite discussions, there has been no official statement regarding the scope and cost of the said project.
Significance of the UAE-Uganda Inland Port Project
The completion of the UAE-Uganda inland port is expected to have a major significance in shaping Uganda’s infrastructure projects. The President emphasized the importance of such projects, noting their importance in creating employment. Furthermore, he noted their impact in increasing 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. He noted that they should primarily focus on facilitating efficient logistics rather than taxation.
Also, 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. The move is part of broader efforts to promote regional integration and economic growth. Additionally in a bid to boost economic growth in the country, Uganda revealed plans of developing 25 industrial parks across the country.
Project Factsheet
Key Stakeholders
- Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Gulftainer Co. Ltd.
- Lead Investor Representative: Farid Belbouab, CEO, Gulftainer
Project objectives
- Enhance cargo handling & logistics efficiency
- Reduces cost of conducting business
- To promote trade among regions
Current status
- Proposal presented and negotiation ongoing
- First project phase to be targeted in six months
- Cost and project scope not yet released
Strategic Importance
- Improves Uganda’s transport and logistics infrastructure
- Enhancement of employment opportunities and trade activities
- Enhances efficiency in the transport of goods in the region
