MPs want Govt to revoke Nile pact
Jan 30, 2004
A PARLIAMENTARY committee has asked the government to revoke the Nile Treaty with Egypt
By Cyprian Musoke
A PARLIAMENTARY committee has asked the government to revoke the Nile Treaty with Egypt.
The committee on natural resources says the pre-independence treaties give Egypt monopoly over the Nile waters.
It also wants Egypt to pay sh2b for damages by the rising lake levels as per a 1950 agreement.
The agreement, signed by the British on behalf of Uganda, allows Egypt to pay for rising water levels caused by its heavy industrialisation along the river.
The matter was last year referred to the committee following a motion by Rwampara MP Ammon Muzoora, over 1929 Nile waters agreement, the 1949 and 1953 Owen Falls agreements, and another treaty of 1950.
Muzoora argued that the treaties are outdated.
“Based on the legal interpretation, the past treaties made have no legal efficacy or binding effect. Egypt’s claim for historical and natural rights over the Nile has no legal backing,†the report reads.
Debating the final draft yesterday, MPs Hamlet Kabushenga, Kiwalabye Musoke, Steven Malinga, Lule Mawiya, Gertrude Kulany, and Simon D’ujanga said Uganda should be vigilant on negotiations under the Nile Basin Initiative.
The committee was chaired by Eng. Ndaula Kaweesi, and his deputy Loyce Bwambale.
A PARLIAMENTARY committee has asked the government to revoke the Nile Treaty with Egypt.
The committee on natural resources says the pre-independence treaties give Egypt monopoly over the Nile waters.
It also wants Egypt to pay sh2b for damages by the rising lake levels as per a 1950 agreement.
The agreement, signed by the British on behalf of Uganda, allows Egypt to pay for rising water levels caused by its heavy industrialisation along the river.
The matter was last year referred to the committee following a motion by Rwampara MP Ammon Muzoora, over 1929 Nile waters agreement, the 1949 and 1953 Owen Falls agreements, and another treaty of 1950.
Muzoora argued that the treaties are outdated.
“Based on the legal interpretation, the past treaties made have no legal efficacy or binding effect. Egypt’s claim for historical and natural rights over the Nile has no legal backing,†the report reads.
Debating the final draft yesterday, MPs Hamlet Kabushenga, Kiwalabye Musoke, Steven Malinga, Lule Mawiya, Gertrude Kulany, and Simon D’ujanga said Uganda should be vigilant on negotiations under the Nile Basin Initiative.
The committee was chaired by Eng. Ndaula Kaweesi, and his deputy Loyce Bwambale.