President Jacob Zuma concludes Uganda visit

Zuma joined other African leaders who attended the ceremony on Thursday.

“As South Africa we congratulate President Museveni and the people of Uganda for a successful Presidential inauguration ceremony. Uganda continues to play a critical role in Africa, particularly in the East Africa Community block where the country is recognized for its good work in conflict resolution processes,” said Zuma.

The Presidency said in a statement that Museveni and Zuma met briefly immediately after the ceremony. They reaffirmed bilateral relations between the two countries and also discussed political and security situation in the Republic of Burundi, as well as the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

During the meeting, Museveni briefed Zuma on the progress made in the mediation process in the Republic of Burundi, where he was appointed as a mediator by the East Africa Community.

Zuma was also appointed to lead an African Union High-Level Delegation of Heads of State and Government established to facilitate peace talks and help restore peace and stability Burundi.

Museveni and Zuma further agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between Uganda and South Africa, which the Presidency said “enjoy cordial bilateral relations that were cemented during South Africa’s liberation struggle period”.

So far South Africa and Uganda have 20 signed bilateral agreements in place.

“At an economical level, there are approximately 70 South African companies currently operating in Uganda. In 2015, South African exports to Uganda amounted to R1.7 billion while South African imports totalled R98 million,” said the Presidency.

Zuma was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.