Nile Cooperation Takes Center Stage at Egypt–Uganda Ministerial Talks in Cairo

CAIRO, April 1, 2026 — Egypt and Uganda have concluded the third round of (2+2) ministerial consultations in Cairo with renewed commitments to deepen cooperation on Nile Basin management, economic development, and regional stability, according to a joint communiqué issued after the high-level meeting.

The consultations were chaired by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdel-Aty, alongside Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, and included Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, and Minister of State for Water Affairs, Beatrice Atim Anywar.

Accompanying Hon Oryem were Beatrice Atim Anywar (State Minister Environment) and Ambassador John Leonard Mugerwa, among other Ugandan officials.

The talks reaffirmed the directives of Presidents Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Yoweri Museveni to maintain structured ministerial dialogue aimed at strengthening coordination on bilateral and regional matters. The consultations built on previous rounds held in December 2024 and August 2025.

Focus on Nile Cooperation

A central outcome of the meeting was a shared commitment to enhance cooperation in the Nile Basin. Both sides emphasized the importance of integrated water resources management and reaffirmed their commitment to implement a Memorandum of Understanding signed in August 2025.

The two countries agreed to accelerate project implementation under the framework of the joint Steering Committee, with a view to advancing sustainable water management and supporting development in Uganda. Egypt also reiterated its readiness to finance and mobilize funding for water-related infrastructure projects in Uganda through its Nile Basin financing mechanisms, while adhering to the principle of “no significant harm” and mutual benefit.

The communiqué welcomed progress made by the Nile Basin Initiative, particularly the efforts of its Special Committee engaging member states that have not ratified the Cooperative Framework Agreement. Both sides stressed the importance of continued dialogue to promote inclusivity, consensus, and cooperation among Nile Basin countries.

Expanding Economic and Sectoral Cooperation

The two delegations also agreed to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including agriculture, livestock, petrochemicals, mining, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. They highlighted the need to translate existing agreements and memoranda of understanding into concrete projects, particularly those stemming from President Museveni’s visit to Egypt in August 2025.

Both sides encouraged closer engagement between their private sectors, building on the Egypt–Uganda Business Forum held during that visit. Plans include organizing business exchanges, investment forums, and delegations to explore opportunities in both countries, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade and investment.

Capacity Building and Institutional Collaboration

The consultations further emphasized cooperation in capacity building through institutions such as the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, and the Egyptian Institute for Diplomatic Studies, alongside Ugandan diplomatic and defense training institutions.

Egypt also expressed readiness to support training and technical cooperation programs, particularly in areas aligned with governance, diplomacy, and security sector development.

Regional and International Issues

The two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Great Lakes region. They reaffirmed their commitment to respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and independence of states, in line with the African Union Constitutive Act and the United Nations Charter.

They also discussed ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability across the African continent, stressing the importance of coordination in addressing regional security challenges.

Future Engagements

The communiqué outlined a roadmap for continued engagement, including holding the fourth round of (2+2) ministerial consultations in Uganda in the last quarter of 2026. The two sides also agreed to convene the third session of the Egypt–Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission in Kampala in August 2026.

The Cairo meeting underscored the growing strategic partnership between Egypt and Uganda, with Nile cooperation emerging as a key pillar alongside expanding economic, diplomatic, and regional collaboration.