Egypt and Uganda Strengthen Cooperation on Nile River Management

Egypt and Uganda’s Foreign Ministers signed a joint declaration on December 4, 2024, to boost cooperation, particularly on Nile River water management. The agreement focuses on mutual benefits and legal adherence while expanding collaboration in several sectors, including defense and agriculture. The two countries plan to hold further consultations in 2025 to reinforce this partnership.

On December 4, 2024, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Uganda’s Minister of State for International Affairs, Henry Okello, formalized a joint declaration aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly regarding the management of Nile River waters. This agreement, established during high-level discussions in Cairo, emphasizes the commitment of both nations to mutual benefit and adherence to international law concerning the Nile Basin.

As articulated in the declaration, Egypt has committed to supporting development initiatives in Uganda, drawing from successful projects like the Owen Falls Dam. Minister Okello reaffirmed Uganda’s position on the Nile, ensuring that upstream developments would not negatively impact the water supply to downstream nations. The delegation included Ugandan officials focused on various sectors, indicating a strategic approach to address shared interests.

In addition to water management, the joint declaration underscores a broader scope of cooperation, encompassing areas such as defense, security, and economic development. Both countries intend to enhance collaboration in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and health, promoting private sector engagement to stimulate trade and investment opportunities. The next round of consultations is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025 in Kampala, establishing a continuous dialogue between the two nations.

The Nile River is a critical water resource for several countries in East Africa, particularly Egypt and Sudan, which have historically relied on its waters due to their downstream locations. The Entebbe Agreement, signed by several upstream countries, has strained relations as it challenges the traditional water-sharing agreements that favor Egypt and Sudan. This background necessitates ongoing discussions to reach a consensus that respects the interests of all Nile Basin countries. The collaboration between Egypt and Uganda represents a strategic effort to establish cooperative frameworks while addressing water management issues and ensuring mutual development benefits.

In summary, the joint declaration between Egypt and Uganda highlights a commitment to proactive consultation on Nile River waters, emphasizing mutual development and cooperation in various sectors. The agreement seeks to navigate the complexities of water distribution in the Nile Basin while fostering broader bilateral relations, with plans for future discussions set to advance these objectives.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com