BY F K MALE
Uganda’s election as the leader of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) marks a significant milestone for the region. During the 31st Nile Council of Ministers Meeting (NILECOM) held in Kampala, Uganda took charge, succeeding Tanzania. This achievement came after Uganda promptly settled its subscription arrears just before the meeting, highlighting its commitment to the NBI.
Sam Cheptoris, Uganda’s Minister for Water and Environment during his speech, emphasized Uganda’s dedication to fostering unity within the NBI and addressing challenges, particularly those related to climate change. He stressed the importance of cooperative utilization of the shared Nile River resource and pledged to engage with Egypt to bring back unity to the organization.
Hani Sewilam, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation for Egypt, acknowledged Egypt’s instrumental role in establishing the NBI and expressed hope for a return to inclusive cooperation and consensus.
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Egypt stands ready to collaborate under Uganda’s leadership, provided the organization adheres to its originally agreed principles.
This election reflects a positive step forward in the Nile Basin region, with Uganda taking on the crucial role of ensuring adherence to NBI agreement protocols, fostering cooperation, and monitoring the sustainable use of the Nile River.
It is an opportunity for the NBI family to come together to address the challenges facing the basin, particularly in the context of climate change.
Uganda previously chaired the NILECOM in 2016, and this development sets the stage for further collaboration among the Nile Basin nations.
The Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF) is poised to commence, providing a platform for dialogue and progress in the region. Uganda’s leadership in the NBI brings hope for increased cooperation and collective benefit for all peoples in the Nile Basin.