PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS INVESTORS FROM UAE & SHARJAH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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.

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.