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President Thabo Mbeki to attend Uganda's
Independence Day Celebrations, Saturday, 9 October 2004
Kampala- President Thabo Mbeki will depart South Africa
on Saturday 9 October ahead of a scheduled visit to
Uganda to join in the celebrations of Uganda's 42nd
Independence Day celebrations in Kampala later in the
day. Uganda became independent on 9 October 1962, which
saw Dr Milton Obote of the Uganda People's Congress
(UPC) being inaugurated as Prime Minister.
Bilateral Relations with South Africa
The following bilateral agreements have since been
concluded between both countries:
- Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic
Relations (1994).
- Letter of intent regarding the Conclusion of Bilateral
Agreements (1997).
- Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect
to Taxes on Income (1997).
- Declaration of Intent in regard to Cooperation in
the Fields of Agriculture and the Food Processing
Industry (1998).
- Declaration of Intent on HIV/AIDS and Health Sector
Development (1999).
- Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection
of Private Investments (2000).
Bilateral Trade Relations
Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy,
employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee is the
major export crop and accounts for the bulk of export
revenue. Uganda has substantial natural resources, including
fertile soil, regular rainfall and sizeable mineral
deposits of copper and cobalt.
South Africa regards Uganda as a country with great
economic potential and an important destination for
South Africa trade and investment.
Economic and trade relations between the two countries
are steadily growing.
South African imports from Uganda : R 18 000 000 (October
2002)
South African exports to Uganda : R 480 000 000 (October
2002)
The major South African companies established in Uganda
include Stanbic, Century Bottling Co. Ltd, 75% owned
by South Africa registered Coca Cola, Metro Cash and
Carry, South African Airways, Supreme Furnishers, Shoprite
Checkers, Murray and Roberts, Multichoice and Grey Security.
In view of the country's solid economic performance,
Uganda is regarded as an important trading partner in
East Africa. Although there is a high level of South
African investment, tremendous scope for expansion exists,
especially in the areas of technical and human resource
development, electricity generation and infrastructure
such as road construction and maintenance.
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
8 October 2004
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