Museveni hosts former South African president Zuma
The two leaders discussed strengthening business and investment cooperation between Uganda and South Africa, according to a statement released by the President's press team.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (right) with former South African president, Jacob Zuma (centre) after their meeting at State House Nakasero on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (PPU)
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday hosted former South African president, Jacob Zuma, at State Lodge Nakasero in Uganda's capital Kampala.
The two leaders discussed strengthening business and investment cooperation between Uganda and South Africa, according to a statement released by the President's press team.
Zuma, 84, led South Africa from 2009 until 2018 and was succeeded by current President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The meeting in Kampala brought together government officials and investors who explored opportunities for collaboration in strategic sectors of Uganda’s economy, including energy generation, power transmission, irrigation, and value addition to mineral resources.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (centre) in a group photo with former South African president, Jacob Zuma (3rd left) with other officials after their meeting at State House Nakasero on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (PPU)
During the discussions, Museveni welcomed Zuma and his delegation, describing their investment proposals as progressive and beneficial to Uganda’s industrialisation.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting serious investors, particularly those targeting sectors that stimulate manufacturing and agricultural production.
The Ugandan leader also emphasised the central role of affordable energy in driving economic transformation, noting that the government remains focused on ensuring that electricity costs remain low to support industries and attract investment.
“Energy is the bone marrow of the economy, and here either the government does it or partners with private investors with soft capital, and we ensure that the cost of power is cheap to support manufacturing."
Museveni further stressed that Uganda is prioritising key economic enablers such as affordable electricity, railway transport, and accessible financing to strengthen the productive sectors of the economy.
“We are very strict with the price of electricity, transport by rail, and the cost of money. We want to fund manufacturing and agriculture. These are a must; without them, the economy will collapse."
The discussions also highlighted Uganda’s continued push towards value addition and industrial development as part of efforts to expand exports, create jobs, and reduce the export of raw materials.
On his part, Zuma thanked President Museveni for the warm welcome and assured him of continued investment cooperation between Uganda and South Africa.
Also present at the meeting was the energy ministry's permanent secretary, Eng. Irene Batebe, who is expected to spearhead further engagements with the South African delegation to identify specific areas of collaboration in the energy sector.
President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma
He served as the fourth President of South Africa from 2009 until his resignation in 2018.
Previous Roles: President of South Africa (2009–2018), Deputy President (1999–2005), ANC President (2007–2017).
Political Party: African National Congress (ANC) (1959–2024), uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party (2024–present).
Previous Roles
Deputy President (1999–2005)
ANC President (2007–2017)
Liberation Struggle
Zuma joined the ANC in 1959 and its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), in 1962.
In 1963, he was arrested for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid state and spent 10 years imprisoned on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela.
Following his release, he helped rebuild underground ANC structures and spent many years in exile (based in Swaziland and Mozambique) until his return to South Africa in 1990.