By: Chimp reporters

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has approved a proposal from investors in the UAE’s Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to construct an inland port at Bukasa in central Uganda. The project is designed to facilitate cargo movement to neighboring countries like Sudan and Kenya, improving regional trade efficiency.

The President met with the delegation, led by Gulftainer Co Ltd CEO Farid Belbouab, who presented plans to enhance cargo handling at dry ports. This initiative aims to lower logistics costs and boost efficiency along East Africa’s major trade corridors. President Museveni formally welcomed the proposal, pledging his support.

The development comes amid rising trade volumes in East Africa, fueled by exports such as coffee, tea, and gold, and increased imports of fuel and machinery. Uganda, a landlocked nation, depends heavily on the Northern Corridor route from Mombasa, which faces congestion and high transit costs. The new inland port would offer storage, customs clearance, and consolidation services closer to key economic centers, reducing delays at borders and seaports.

The investors are currently in negotiations with the Ugandan government and aim to finalize the first phase within six months. President Museveni encouraged an expedited timeline, emphasizing that the port would create jobs, stimulate demand for utilities, and lower business costs by prioritizing logistics efficiency over taxation. He noted that the project aligns with Uganda’s strategy to attract foreign investment into transport infrastructure, supporting deeper regional integration and economic growth.