By Samson Ntale For CNN
Entebbe, Uganda (CNN) -- The Iranian president Saturday accused the West of trying to deny countries the right to nuclear energy during a visit to Uganda aimed at building stronger alliances with the east African nation.
Countries have the right to use nuclear energy and it's treason to deny nations that right, the Ugandan presidential press service quoted President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying.
His Ugandan counterpart, on the other hand, called for a "nuclear weapons-free world." President Yoweri Museveni defended nations' rights to have access to nuclear technology, but only for "peaceful purposes" such as medical uses.
"Nuclear weapons are dangerous for humanity -- even more dangerous than all the other previous weapon systems," Museveni said.
"We should, therefore, work for a nuclear weapons-free world. This means that those who have these weapons should work to get rid of them under an internationally agreed and verifiable treaty".
Iran has been under harsh criticism from the United States and its allies, who have called for tougher sanctions over its nuclear ambitions. The Islamic republic has said it intends to produce nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes, including civilian electricity and medical research.
Ahmadinejad arrived in Uganda on Friday to seek support for his country's nuclear program as he eyes Uganda's virgin oil sector. He is expected to sign various trade and investment deals in oil development, agriculture, health and real estate.
During a visit to Tehran last year, Museveni invited Iranian investors to build an oil refinery in Uganda's northwest region, which is believed to hold at least 2 billion barrels of commercial oil. Museveni has said Uganda is looking for partners with technical expertise to set up a refinery. Oil-rich Iran also will fund a housing complex and a tractor assembly plant near the capital, Kampala.
Museveni addressed various issues Friday, including his support for a two-state solution in the Middle East with Israelis and Palestinians "living side by side, within internationally recognized and secure borders".
He also handed his guest a surprise gift -- a black Bible tied with a silver bow.
"When I was in Iran, I told you about the reference to the Persians and Medians in the Bible," Museveni said. "To provide you with a permanent reference, I present to you a copy of the Bible".
Uganda, a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council, was one of two African nations Ahmadinejad visited this week.
He also made a two-day trip to Zimbabwe, where he launched a tractor production line and attended a trade fair.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said he and Ahmadinejad have the "same policy and same stance -- anti-imperialist, anti-colonialist and a stance to protect our sovereignty and our right of ownership of our resources".
Iran has economic agreements with more than a dozen African nations.
CNN
