Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and William Ruto of Kenya have taken a significant step toward bolstering regional cooperation and economic growth by signing new bilateral agreements.
These additions bring the total number of trade and cooperation agreements between the two East African nations to 25, signaling a deepening partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.
The latest set of agreements, signed during President Museveni’s visit to Kenya, cover a wide array of sectors including tourism, property rights, fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, transport, and investment promotion.
Each memorandum of understanding (MoU) reflects a concerted effort to enhance collaboration, promote trade, and address challenges affecting both countries.
One of the key MoUs focuses on Tourism Cooperation, aimed at enhancing the sector in both countries to attract more visitors and create opportunities for job creation and cultural exchange.
This agreement is expected to harmonise efforts in marketing, destination management, and the development of joint tourism products.
Another significant agreement addresses Property Rights, with a specific focus on supporting informal women and youth traders operating within the greater Busia Metropolitan area.
Running from 2025 to 2028, the initiative seeks to build resilience in local governance and empower these often-overlooked economic contributors by creating a more inclusive environment for cross-border trade.
In the area of Fisheries and Aquaculture, both nations have agreed to establish a framework for collaboration, recognising the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the immense economic potential of aquatic resources.
The MoU aims to enhance regulation, scientific research, and value addition in the fisheries sector.
The Agriculture and Animal Industry MoU reinforces cooperation in agricultural production and livestock management.
This agreement is expected to improve food security, promote best practices in farming, and facilitate knowledge exchange in agricultural technology and innovation.
Transport, being a crucial enabler of trade and movement of people, is also a key focus of the agreements. The Transport Cooperation MoU addresses issues related to infrastructure development and network integration.
It aims to improve road, rail, and port connectivity between Kenya and Uganda, thereby reducing logistical costs and enhancing intra-regional commerce.
In a bid to support quality assurance and regulatory alignment, the two nations signed a MoU on Standards Bureau Cooperation.
This agreement seeks to strengthen the relationship between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, ensuring that goods exchanged meet mutually agreed standards, thus facilitating smoother trade flows.
Investment was another critical area addressed. The Investment Promotion MoU provides a structured framework to enhance technological cooperation and attract investments.
Both countries aim to create a more favourable environment for investors while promoting innovation and industrial development.
Speaking at a joint press conference, President Museveni emphasized the importance of Africa taking charge of its development by effectively utilising its vast resources.
Quoting a biblical prayer, he said, “They left undone what they ought to have done and did what they ought not to have done,” highlighting the urgency for African nations to address their untapped potential.
Museveni pointed out that the foundation of modern economies lies in the production of goods and services, particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors.
“The more goods and services you produce, the wealthier you become. But a central question remains: who buys what you produce?” he said, underlining the need for expanding market access and strengthening consumer engagement.
He urged leaders to focus on these essential issues and encouraged East African countries to prioritise integration and cooperation. “East Africa is beginning to awaken,” Museveni noted, expressing optimism about the direction of economic discourse in the region.
President Ruto, in his remarks, welcomed President Museveni and reflected on the importance of the agreements signed. “My deliberations with President Museveni spanned an extensive range of bilateral, regional, and continental priorities.
We reaffirmed our united stance on closer collaboration in key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, energy, security, and regional integration,” Ruto stated.
He highlighted the longstanding bond between Kenya and Uganda, describing it as a partnership anchored in shared ideals, mutual respect, and a vision for a prosperous future.
“This occasion reflects the strength of our historical partnership,” Ruto said, adding that the two countries share not only geographical proximity but also a deep spirit of brotherhood and mutual support within the East African Community.
The signing of these agreements marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between Kenya and Uganda. With strategic focus and renewed commitment, the two nations are poised to unlock new opportunities for growth, cooperation, and regional prosperity.
