State Visit by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda to the Republic of South Africa

South African President, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, will host His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, who undertakes a two day state visit to South Africa. The visit is scheduled to take place from 21-22 January in Pretoria and KZN respectively.

President Zuma hosts his counterpart within the context of strengthening and consolidating cordial relations that exist between the two countries and which dates back from during the struggle against apartheid, with Uganda providing solidarity to the South African liberation movement. President Museveni’s visit follows the memorable visit to Uganda undertaken by President Zuma to the Republic of Uganda from 24-26 March 2010.

The two Presidents are expected to review progress on key areas of bilateral cooperation which among others include Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Public Works and Infrastructural Development, Water and Environmental Affairs, Energy, and Social Development. Views will also be exchanged on issues affecting the continent and the world, including political developments pertaining to the East Africa Region, inter alia the Sudan Referendum, as well as global multilateral matters. 

Accordingly, the two Presidents will witness the signing of:

One Agreement and one Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture, i.e. an Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Public Works and Infrastructure Development.

Trade statistics between the two countries show a steady growth. South Africa regards Uganda as a country with great economic potential and an important partner for SA trade and investment. In view of the country’s solid economic performance, Uganda can be regarded as an important trading partner in East Africa. In 2009, South African exports to Uganda amounted to R1,2 billion and imports from Uganda to R155 million.

South Africa remains amongst the top five sources of Foreign Direct Investment in Uganda. Close to 50 SA companies operate in Uganda and they are a substantial source of job creation and contributor to the revenue base.  It is expected that trade cooperation between the two countries would grow to greater heights against the backdrop of strengthened political relations.

It is anticipated that President Museveni will be accompanied by several Cabinet Ministers and a business delegation that would participate in a Business Forum to explore investment and trade opportunities between the two countries. 

President Zuma will be supported by Minister of International Relations & Cooperation Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister of Trade & Industry Dr Rob Davies; Minister of Energy Ms Dipuo Peters, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Public Works Ms Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde; Minister of Water & Environmental Affairs Ms Edna Molewa and Minister of Social Development Ms Bathabile Dlamini.

For further information please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
Private bag X152
Pretoria

18 January 2011