President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Qatar, welcoming plans by leading Qatari investors to partner with the country in transformative sectors including food processing, energy, logistics, manufacturing and industrial development.
Speaking during a meeting at State House Entebbe on Saturday, President Museveni said strategic partnerships with investors from the Gulf are essential for unlocking Africa’s vast natural resources and transforming them into sustainable wealth and prosperity.
The President hosted a high-level delegation from Al Mansour Holding, led by Mr. Omar Bchinnati, Chief of Staff to Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar-based investment group. The delegation was in Uganda to explore long-term investment opportunities and lay the groundwork for Sheikh Mansour’s future visit. 
Reflecting on Uganda’s long-standing relationship with the Arab world, President Museveni noted that the country’s engagement began during Africa’s liberation struggles, when Egypt under President Gamal Abdel Nasser supported independence movements. He explained that Uganda’s ties later expanded to the Gulf region, paving the way for stronger cooperation with countries such as Qatar.
The President emphasized that Africa’s abundant resources, growing population and strategic location present enormous opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships with Gulf investors.
He highlighted Uganda’s readiness to collaborate in value addition, particularly in food processing, starch production, coffee processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. According to the President, investing in local processing industries would reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, lower production costs and boost exports.
Museveni pointed out that Uganda has ample raw materials, skilled human resources and reliable utilities to support industrialisation, with investment capital remaining the key ingredient needed to accelerate growth.
To fast-track cooperation, the President proposed several priority projects, including the Soroti Fruit Factory, a starch processing facility in Pallisa, coffee value addition and pharmaceutical manufacturing. He noted that these sectors already have ready markets and offer attractive returns for investors.
“Our focus is on adding value to what Uganda already produces. By processing our own agricultural products and industrial inputs locally, we can build stronger industries, create employment and make locally manufactured goods more competitive,” the President said.
Speaking on behalf of Sheikh Mansour, Mr. Omar Bchinnati praised President Museveni’s vision for Africa’s economic transformation, describing it as inspiring and forward-looking.
He said Al Mansour Holding is eager to establish long-term partnerships with Uganda, particularly in energy, gas, logistics and industrial development, adding that the company views Uganda as a strategic investment destination.
Bchinnati revealed that the visit was intended to showcase the company’s capabilities ahead of Sheikh Mansour’s planned visit, during which both sides hope to formally launch the partnership.
He further disclosed that Al Mansour Holding has developed a 10-year investment strategy focused on building sustainable partnerships across promising markets, with Uganda featuring prominently among its priorities.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Eng. Irene Pauline Batebe, Capt. Mike Mukula and other senior government officials.
The growing engagement between Uganda and Qatar signals a shared commitment to expanding trade, industrialisation and investment, reinforcing Uganda’s position as an emerging hub for value-added manufacturing and regional economic growth.
