President Museveni on Wednesday hosted former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma at State Lodge Nakasero, where the two leaders reported discussed strengthening business and investment cooperation between Uganda and South Africa.
The meeting 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.
During the discussions, Mr Museveni described Mr Zuma’s investment proposals as progressive and beneficial to Uganda’s industrialization.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting serious investors, particularly those targeting sectors that stimulate manufacturing and agricultural production.
President Museveni also emphasized 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,” President Museveni said.
The President, according to a statement from State House press Unit, further stressed that Uganda is prioritizing 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,” he said.
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.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma and President Yoweri Museveni at the State Lodge in Nakasero, Uganda on May 20, 2026. PHOTO/ PPU
At the meeting attended by Uganda’s Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, 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, Mr Zuma lauded Mr Museveni for the warm welcome and assured him of continued investment cooperation between Uganda and South Africa.
Zuma’s visit to Kampala comes at a time when the 84-year-old political veteran remains engulfed in immense controversy at home. Since being forced to resign from the South African presidency in 2018 amid rampant “state capture” corruption allegations, Zuma’s political and legal battles have severely fractured South African politics.
In a stunning political twist, Zuma broke ranks with his lifelong party, the ANC, to lead the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. The MK Party shocked the political landscape by dealing a massive blow to the ANC in the general elections, stripping the historic party of its absolute majority. This development forced current South African President Cyril Ramaphosa into a tense coalition government.
Furthermore, Zuma’s legal woes continue to mount, ranging from ongoing arms-deal corruption trials to the fallout from his previous 15-month imprisonment for contempt of court, which sparked deadly nationwide riots.
By pivoting to international investment advocacy and engaging longtime allies like President Museveni, Mr Zuma appears intent on projecting global statesman status, proving that despite his legal and political battles in South Africa, his influence across the continent remains operational.
