President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday hosted Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, at Nakasero State Lodge today, igniting optimism for Uganda’s economic growth through dynamic partnerships in petroleum, mining, agriculture, and electric vehicle (EV) battery production.
Announced by Museveni on X, the vibrant discussions highlighted Uganda’s ambition to tap Qatar’s investment and expertise to unlock its vast oil and mineral wealth, transform agriculture, and create jobs.
As Uganda looks toward the 2026 elections, this collaboration signals Museveni’s bold vision to cement the nation as a beacon of industrial and agricultural progress in East Africa.
The talks at Nakasero, a venue synonymous with high-stakes diplomacy, buzzed with promise as Museveni and Al Attiyah explored ways to elevate Uganda’s economy.
Petroleum was a focal point, with Uganda eager to harness its 6.5 billion barrels of oil reserves and the advancing East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
Qatar, a titan in global energy, could bring cutting-edge technology and funding to streamline production and connect Uganda to international markets.
Museveni, ever forward-thinking, also pitched an exciting venture in mining, spotlighting Uganda’s rich deposits of cobalt, lithium, and graphite.
He envisioned a partnership to produce EV batteries, a move that could position Uganda as a key player in the global green energy revolution.
“Our minerals can power the future,” he reportedly told the Qatari delegation, sparking enthusiasm for a new era of high-skill jobs and export growth.
Agriculture, the heartbeat of Uganda’s workforce, was another cornerstone of the discussions. Museveni proposed agro-processing projects to transform crops like coffee, maize, and fruits into high-value products such as juices, dairy, and edible oils.
With Qatar’s proven success in food security, this partnership could modernize Uganda’s farms, boost export earnings, and empower rural communities.
The ideas exchanged reflect a shared commitment to innovation, building on Museveni’s 2023 visit to the Qatar Economic Forum, where he showcased Uganda’s potential to global investors.
Al Attiyah’s delegation, brimming with business leaders, signaled Qatar’s eagerness to view Uganda as a gateway to East Africa’s markets.
The timing of the meeting is significant, as Museveni steers Uganda through post-COVID recovery and prepares for the 2026 elections.
His recent efforts, like rolling out low-cost loans for boda boda riders and market vendors, show his dedication to grassroots prosperity.
The Qatar partnership promises to amplify these gains, offering the prospect of new industries and infrastructure.