BY INNOCENT KIIZA
In a diplomatic challenge, Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Egypt to abandon its inflexibility stance on Nile water resources and adopt a cooperative spirit, emphasizing the principles of Pan-Africanism. The remarks were conveyed through Vice President Rtd. Maj. Jessica Alupo during the opening ceremony of the 7th Nile Development Forum held from October 16-18, 2023.
“I have special message from president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that goes direct to Egypt, that you should untilize Nile for developing your country and empowering your people but not be stuck in British colonial era agreemment of long time” Maji Alupo said
Quoting President Museveni message, specifically urged Egypt to move away from reliance on colonial-era agreements that grant veto power over Nile projects. Instead, he advocated for embracing the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), signed by most member countries, to ensure equitable decision-making regarding development projects within the basin.
Tensions at the Forum
On 17, October, the Egypt Minister of water and irrigation Prof Hani Sewilam with other delegates step out of the meetings of Nile basin state delegates challenging the agenda of the forum on overlooking the principle of consensus among member countries.
On side interview with Rwenzori Daily Prof. Hani Sewilam insisted that why other countries violate other sharing the same Nile and not maintain the agreement, agreed upon in consensus.
He said Egypt maintained its right to veto projects of agreement of 1929 and 1959 with the British Government which other countries like Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and other are violating Museveni’s call came in response to Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Prof. Hani Sewilam that Egypt should not insist on rules of British government made long time age but to utilize the waters of Nile equal for its economic empowerment.
Rejecting Colonial-era Agreements
Leaders in the region, including President Museveni, have consistently rejected the legitimacy of these colonial-era agreements, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and cooperative approach for the benefit of all Nile Basin countries.
Museveni urged Egypt to join efforts in preserving and protecting the environment to rejuvenate the Nile’s water levels. He stressed the importance of concentrating on the appropriate use of Nile waters for hydro-power generation and irrigation, creating linkages for social and economic benefits for all African people.
Electricity as a Catalyst for Development
Highlighting the advantages of electricity, Museveni pointed out its role in industrialization, job creation, and environmental mitigation. He encouraged Egypt to consider the positive impacts of electricity use, including reforestation through reduced dependence on traditional fuel sources.
Meanwhile, at the 31st Nile Council of Ministers Conference, the outgoing Executive Director of the Nile Basin Initiative, Eng. Sylvester Anthony Matemu, expressed concerns over negative publicity and sabotage from an unnamed member state. It was hinted that Egypt might be behind obstacles hindering cooperation, including the cancellation of European Union funding for a major project earlier this year.
Diplomatic Tensions and Regional Cooperation:
The diplomatic tensions underscored at the 7th Nile Development Forum highlight the challenges of regional cooperation over the Nile’s resources. Museveni’s call for a shift towards collaboration and the rejection of colonial-era agreements is likely to spark further debate and negotiations among the Nile Basin countries, as they strive to find common ground for sustainable and equitable water use.
