President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on plans to construct an inland port in Uganda, a project aimed at strengthening the country’s cargo transport and logistics sector. The meeting took place on Monday at the State Lodge in Nakasero.
The delegation was from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was led by Farid Belbouab, the Chief Executive Officer of Gulftainer Co. Ltd. The Sharjah Chamber, established in 1970 by an Amiri decree, plays a key role in promoting economic activity in areas such as trade, industry, agriculture, digital services, and professional sectors in cooperation with government institutions.
During the meeting, the investors presented a proposal focused on improving the handling of goods before and after arrival at dry ports. The goal of the project is to reduce the cost of doing business, improve efficiency, and enhance regional trade by strengthening Uganda’s logistics and cargo management systems.
The investors informed President Museveni that negotiations with the Government of Uganda are ongoing and that they expect to complete the first phase of the inland port project within the next six months. The President encouraged them to fast-track the process to ensure timely implementation.
President Museveni emphasized the importance of such infrastructure projects, noting that they create jobs and stimulate economic activity. He explained that inland ports increase the use of essential services such as electricity and water and also support local businesses around them.
“Uganda benefits from jobs because these projects employ many people, use electricity and water, and stimulate local commerce,” President Museveni said.
He further noted that dry ports play a critical role in easing the movement of goods and should mainly focus on improving logistics and efficiency rather than taxation. The President welcomed the proposal and pledged full government support for its implementation.
“I welcome the initiative and will support it,” he said.
The discussions focused on improving trade facilitation, strengthening logistics infrastructure, and attracting foreign investment into Uganda’s transport and storage sector. The proposed inland port is expected to support regional integration and contribute to Uganda’s broader economic growth agenda.
