India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Uganda to harness cultural cooperation, exchange programmes, film production, Defence, and establishment of a regional materials testing laboratory in Uganda.
After China, India is the second largest imports to Uganda, at the conclusion of 2017, Uganda imported goods worth $700m however 2015 India was the largest origin of imports to Uganda with average rate of $1.2bn. MoU was ratified by the Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India and president Museveni on behalf of Ugandans.
Remarking after signing, Museveni said both countries emphasized trade, investment and tourism for supporting the prosperity of Indian people by buying their products as they purchase Ugandan products.
He lauded Modi for causing a wave of change in India through promotion of efficient and innovation rather than worshiping bureaucracy hence putting India the list of fastest growing economies.
“Whatever India makes, we should import it as value addition especially machinery, Indian tourists who jets in for tourism, leave us with dollars to balance our trade accounts, with the reviving of national carrier, Ugandan tourism move to another level,” said the President.
“When we were fighting colonialism, we worked together, now we are working together to develop the third world and I am very happy to be working with the Prime Minister of India,” said Museveni.
In his remarks the prime minister of India Narendra Modi said, his country is ready to further and strengthen cooperation ties with Uganda, “We have agreed to supply Uganda peoples Defence forces (UPDF) with ambulances and other items as discussed with President Museveni,” he added.
On behalf of India, Modi delivered $200million of credit for economic transformation of Uganda, “Uganda has always been close to our hearts and will continue to be,” he said
The he offered to build a convention center of Mahatma Ghandi in Jinja.
During his term in office Modi has been credited for fighting against corruption and contributed towards the improvement of relations with Islamic nations in the Middle East, such as Bahrain, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with Israel.
Modi is in the country of a two days state visit and tomorrow is expected to address parliament before leaving for South Africa.