Daily Thinkers
Kampala, Uganda — The Embassy of Uganda in Cairo has received a high-level Egyptian delegation comprising leading figures from tourism, media, arts, and investment sectors for a 10-day familiarisation visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) agenda.
The initiative, anchored in Uganda’s broader foreign policy priorities, seeks to expand trade, tourism, and investment linkages between Uganda and Egypt through structured people-to-people engagement. Upon arrival in Kampala, the delegation was officially welcomed and later hosted at a cultural gala dinner at Ndere Cultural Centre, where Uganda’s diverse heritage was showcased through traditional music, dance, and cuisine offering a symbolic introduction to the country’s cultural and tourism identity.
Speaking during the reception, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Uganda’s Chargé d’Affaires in Egypt, emphasized the strategic importance of cultural and professional exchanges in translating diplomatic relations into tangible economic outcomes. He noted that the visit directly supports Uganda’s ATMS development framework Agriculture, Tourism, Minerals, and Science & Technology identifying these sectors as key drivers of future growth.
He highlighted Uganda’s expanding opportunities in agro-industrialisation, value addition, tourism infrastructure, and mineral exploration, encouraging Egyptian investors and partners to explore long-term collaboration. Lt. Gen. Angina further underscored the complementary nature of Uganda and Egypt’s tourism offerings, suggesting the development of integrated travel circuits linking Egypt’s historical heritage with Uganda’s ecological and cultural landscapes.
H.E. Monzer Selim, the Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda, described the visit as a practical expression of public diplomacy, noting that cultural exchange remains a powerful tool in strengthening African cooperation. He encouraged the delegation to act as informal ambassadors of Uganda upon return, sharing insights with Egyptian audiences and promoting greater awareness of Uganda’s opportunities. He further highlighted the significance of South-South cooperation in reshaping development narratives across the continent.
Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kaggwa commended the coordinated efforts between both missions, noting that strategic partnerships of this nature are essential in positioning Uganda as a competitive global destination. She emphasized the potential for increased tourist flows from Egypt and the broader North African region.
Representing the delegation, acclaimed Egyptian actor and producer Mahmoud Hemida described Uganda as “culturally rich and visually compelling,” noting that the experience had challenged and expanded his perception of the country. Other delegates, including media professionals, tourism executives, and documentary filmmakers, expressed interest in strengthening professional and commercial linkages with Ugandan counterparts.
Over the course of the visit, the delegation will tour key tourism circuits, agricultural value chains, and investment zones across Uganda. The engagement is expected to enhance destination visibility, foster sector partnerships, and contribute to long-term market development.
The initiative reinforces Uganda’s continued commitment to leveraging cultural diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and private sector engagement as instruments for sustainable economic growth under its Economic and Commercial Diplomacy framework.
