President Yoweri Museveni has urged African military leaders to shift focus from historical Nile disputes to development and environmental sustainability, stressing the role of electrification and industrialisation in managing the region’s water resources.
Speaking at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi on Wednesday, Museveni addressed a delegation from the Egyptian Armed Forces Staff and Command College.
He told the visiting officers that the Nile’s challenges extend beyond colonial-era treaties, highlighting underdevelopment in tropical Africa, limited access to electricity, slow industrial growth, and the impacts of climate change.
“The solution is electrification and industrialisation so that we protect the environment and sustainably manage our water resources,” Museveni said.
He emphasised that regional cooperation and investment in infrastructure were critical to transforming Nile Basin countries and ensuring equitable resource use.
Museveni also shared Uganda’s broader socio-political vision, citing historical missions of rejecting identity-based politics in favour of nationalism and Pan-Africanism, advancing African unity, and driving socio-economic transformation.
He welcomed the Egyptian delegation’s visit to the Source of the Nile in Jinja, noting that the officers appreciated Uganda’s natural beauty.
The President concluded by encouraging the delegation to make the most of their visit, expressing hope that the engagement would strengthen ties between the two militaries and enhance understanding of Africa’s developmental challenges.
Uganda has long advocated for shared management of the Nile, arguing that hydro-political tensions must be addressed alongside development priorities.
Museveni’s remarks highlight a growing emphasis on industrialisation, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship as tools for sustainable regional growth.
The visit underlines the role of military leadership in supporting national development agendas and fostering cross-border cooperation in the management of critical African resources.