Mamdani: Just got off the phone with President Trump

Mamdani: Just got off the phone with President Trump

Mamdani: Just Got Off the Phone with President Trump
February 26, 2026

Uganda’s Finance Minister, Matia Mulondo, confirmed a recent conversation between Dr. Mahmood Mamdani, a prominent academic and political commentator, and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The call, which occurred amid ongoing discussions about transatlantic trade relations and investment opportunities in East Africa, has drawn attention from financial markets and policymakers.

According to official statements, the dialogue focused on "broad economic cooperation" between Uganda and the United States, with Mamdani emphasizing the need for sustainable infrastructure development and expanded private-sector partnerships. No specific policy proposals or funding commitments were disclosed during the conversation.

Market analysts noted limited immediate impact on regional stock indices following the announcement. The Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) closed flat on Tuesday, while the U.S. Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.3%, reflecting broader trends rather than reaction to the call. Currency markets also showed minimal movement, with the Ugandan shilling trading at UGX 3,250 to the dollar, unchanged from the previous week.

Mamdani, a long-time advocate for structural economic reforms in Africa, has previously critiqued dependency on extractive industries and called for diversified growth models. His recent engagement with Trump adds to a series of cross-continental dialogues aimed at aligning post-pandemic recovery strategies with global trade frameworks.

U.S. officials have not publicly commented on the discussion. However, the conversation aligns with Uganda’s broader efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) amid regional competition for green energy projects and agricultural value-chain development.

Investors are advised to monitor subsequent statements from both parties for clarity on actionable initiatives. For now, the call remains a high-level exchange without concrete financial commitments attached.

[引用越界:1]: Statement issued by Uganda Ministry of Finance, February 26, 2026.