While pitching trade deals in Uganda, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni told the South African business community that Ugandans he has led for almost thirty years are lazy.

President Museveni, who was in Pretoria for a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, stated that Uganda has a friendly environment, making it unnecessary to work much harder.

PHOTO | COURTESY President Museveni

"... we at the equator ... we have two rainy seasons - that is why these Ugandans are lazy... because life is very easy for them. You don't have to work very hard. Even a fool can survive in Uganda, "Yoweri Museveni.

President Museveni's remarks were met with stunned silence from his hosts, including south african President Ramaphosa.

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Museveni has continuously accused the citizens of his country of being lazy when compared to their business competitors in his foreign and domestic engagements, despite the lack of statistical evidence.

President Museveni, 78, visited South Africa to enhance bilateral trade and relations. Trade volumes between the two countries have been declining, with more than 34 major South African corporations leaving Uganda due to a lack of market opportunities. Only 36 South African companies remain in the East African nation.

PHOTO | COURTESY President Museveni

President Museveni used the same forum to encourage South African financiers to think about investing in Uganda's agricultural sector. In response, President Ramaphosa stated that he is keen on investing in irrigation in Uganda.

According to South African government figures, Uganda is South Africa's 15th-largest trading partner in Africa and the 2nd-biggest in East Africa.

According to the World Bank's Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, Ugandans are the world's most entrepreneurial.

Ugandans have also emerged as regional and international leaders in various disciplines, including firms owned by South African corporations.

On the issue of insecurity in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Museveni suggested that Uganda use militias to protect the people, which the DR Congo government opposed.