Come clean on your ‘secret’ Nile pact with Cairo, Dar tells Kampala

In the near future, we have plans to start massive irrigation, and divert some of the water to the hinterland,” said Mr Musumba.

He added, “As the major exit of the Nile, we have a strategic interest in this, and although Egypt is sponsoring the water weed project, we want them to do more in supporting afforestation, and protecting river banks, because sustainable management of the river is also in their interest.”

It is noteworthy that Uganda, while chairing the Nile Basin last year, had the opportunity to call a heads of state summit, but did not because it was busy hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting, according to government officials.

DR Congo is the current chair of the inter-governmental organisation, but has yet to show any intentions of calling the crucial summit.