Museveni courts Qatari investment in Uganda's value addition drive

President Yoweri Museveni has welcomed plans by Qatari investors to explore investment opportunities in Uganda, saying partnerships in food processing, manufacturing, energy and logistics will help unlock the country's industrial potential and add value to Africa's abundant natural resources.

The President made the remarks on June 27, 2026, during a meeting at State House, Entebbe, with a delegation from Al Mansour Holding led by Omar Bchinnati, Chief of Staff to Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, who represented the Qatari businessman.

Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani is the chairman of Al Mansour Holding-Qatar and a prominent member of the Qatari royal family.

Museveni said Uganda has deliberately sought closer ties with Arab countries over the years, tracing the relationship back to Egypt's support for African liberation movements before expanding engagement with Gulf states.

“We started with Nasser of Egypt. He helped us in the struggle for independence. We wanted to work with the Arab world but at that time we did not know much about the Gulf,” President Museveni said.

He explained that Uganda's engagement with Gulf countries accelerated after political and economic changes in the region during the 1980s.

“Later, we linked up with Dubai. Many Arabs had oil, and we thought we could work together because here in Africa we have many resources. Africa is 12 times the size of India and our population is now about 1.5 billion people. When the Arab world is near us, we can do many things together,” he said.

The President said Uganda offers significant investment opportunities, particularly in value addition, noting that the country is well positioned to process agricultural and industrial products rather than exporting raw materials.

He identified fruit processing, starch production, coffee processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing as priority sectors requiring investment.

“For food processing, we are ready. For instance, we have a lot of needs in starch. We have people who can partner with you, cooperatives, individuals and government bodies, and we can start immediately because the market is there,” he said.

Museveni explained that domestic starch production would lower manufacturing costs for pharmaceutical companies by reducing reliance on imported inputs.

“If we produce pharmaceuticals using imported starch from India and Turkey, those costs are added, yet we have the capacity here. If we use our own starch, medicine would become cheaper,” he said.

He added that Uganda already possesses the raw materials, skilled workforce and utilities needed for industrialisation, with investment capital remaining one of the key requirements.

Museveni said he would share a list of priority investment projects with the delegation, including the Soroti Fruit Factory, a starch processing facility in Pallisa, coffee processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

“I propose we start with fruits, starch, coffee and pharmaceuticals,” he said.

Bchinnati said the delegation had travelled to Uganda because of President Museveni's vision for Africa's economic transformation and was interested in building long-term partnerships.

“Your vision for Africa is very inspiring. We are here because you have a lot of knowledge and experience. There have been many people promising what they can do, but I believe in the unity of Africa, the trade and the business opportunities that Africa offers,” he said.

He said Sheikh Mansour was keen to invest in energy, gas, logistics and industrial development.

“He is ready to work with Uganda and further the collaboration. We appreciate your direction on how we can move forward in this partnership,” he said.

According to Bchinnati, the visit was intended to lay the groundwork for Sheikh Mansour's future visit to Uganda while demonstrating Al Mansour Holding's investment capabilities.

“We want to show what we have accomplished before his visit. He wants to come and open this partnership,” he said.

He added that Al Mansour Holding has developed a 10-year plan centred on partnerships and investment opportunities.

The delegation included Matteo Scappucci, head of operations at Al Mansour Holding.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr Monica Musenero, permanent secretary Irene Pauline Batebe and Capt. Mike Mukula, among others.