The Egyptian government has announced a major initiative to support Nile Basin countries, including Uganda, in constructing hydroelectric dams along the shared Nile River. This was disclosed by Egypt’s Minister of Water, Professor Hani Sewilam, during the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, an event attended by international leaders and dignitaries.
The $1 billion museum, themed Celebrating Egypt’s Ancient Civilizations, marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s cultural and infrastructural achievements. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Sewilam confirmed that Egypt is ready to invest $100 million (around Shs360 billion in Ugandan shillings) toward joint hydroelectric projects aimed at boosting energy production in the Nile Basin.
Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, representing President Yoweri Museveni, engaged in bilateral talks with Minister Sewilam, accompanied by Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Egypt, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina. Nabbanja praised Egypt’s support while also urging that environmental safeguards be prioritized to protect the Nile ecosystem during the development of hydro projects.
President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi also addressed attendees, emphasizing that the Grand Egyptian Museum represents a “new chapter in history and the present future,” symbolizing Egypt’s commitment to heritage preservation and forward-looking development.
The museum will officially open to the public next week, allowing visitors to explore its extensive galleries and exhibitions. Meanwhile, the pledged investment signals a strengthened collaboration between Egypt and Nile Basin countries to harness the river’s hydropower potential sustainably.
