March 22, 2021: Museveni, Magufuli had planned to sign oil pipeline deal; Instead, Museveni signed condolence book

Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has revealed he and John Pombe Magufuli had agreed to sign an oil pipeline deal on March 22 — the same day Uganda’s president signed the condolence book for the fallen Tanzanian leader.

Magufuli succumbed to heart complications last week.

Magufuli death: What exactly killed Tanzania’s fifth president?

On March 22, Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni signed a condolence book at the High Commission of Tanzania in Uganda.

In company of @JanetMuseveni, I visited the Tanzania High Commission in Kampala to sign the official condolence book and pay our last respects to @MagufuliJP. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/T2bX7cB9sE

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) March 22, 2021

It was here that Museveni revealed how he and Magufuli were slated to meet on that same day.

“Two weeks ago, I had written to the late Magufuli about the pipeline project because [Monday, March 22] was supposed to be the signing day,” said Museveni.

“Little did I know that on the same day I will be signing in a condolence book. This is so sad.”

The last time Museveni and Magufuli physically met was in September 2020.

Museveni in Tanzania for Crude oil pipeline project meeting

Later, Museveni had revealed that the mask he put on had irritated his voice.

Museveni: Mask I wore to Tanzania irritated my voice but inconvenience is better than death

Now, Museveni will move to sign the pipeline deal with Magufuli’s successor Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Profile: Tanzania’s Madam President Samia Suluhu Hassan