Uganda Investment Authorityu’s Director General Robert Mukiza and his Kenyan counterpart signing an MOU on Investment promotions at Nairobi State House
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda and Kenya’s trade and cooperation agreements have been elevated to a total of 25.
This followed the penning of more agreements by Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and William Ruto of Kenya during the former’s state visit to Kenya.
According to a statement issued by State House, the new agreements cover diverse sectors, including tourism, property rights, fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, and transport, emphasising a shared commitment to strengthen economic ties and promote regional cooperation.
The Memoranda of Understanding include tourism cooperation, which will lead to enhancement of the tourism sectors in both countries to attract more visitors.
The other agreement is about property rights, which aims at building resilience for local governments and support informal women and youth traders within the greater Busia Metro from 2025 to 2028.
Another one is on fisheries and aquaculture, which will lead to establishment of a framework for collaboration in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, while another one was on agriculture and Animal Industry, which will promote cooperation in agricultural production and livestock management.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Executive Director Eng James Kasigwa and his Kenyan counterpart after signing an MOU on quality and standards
Uganda and Kenya also penned an agreement on transport Cooperation, under which issues related to transport infrastructure and networks will be addressed, in addition to a pact on standards bureau cooperation, which will lead to strengthening of relations between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.
The two sister countries also penned an agreement on investment promotion, which will constitute a framework for mutual benefit to enhance technological and investment relations between the two countries.
During a joint press conference, President Museveni underscored the importance of Africa leveraging its abundant resources and the need for rationalisation within the economy. He quoted from a biblical prayer, highlighting the urgency for African nations to address their potential.
“They left undone what they ought to have done and did what they ought not to have done,” stressing this as a significant challenge facing the continent.
Uganda’s Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze and his Kenyan counterpart signing an MOU on agriculture at Nairobi State house on Wednesday
Museveni asserted that the foundation of modern economies lie in the production of goods and services, particularly in 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 emphasised that discussions should focus on market access and consumer engagement, calling on leaders to prioritise these critical issues.
“East Africa is beginning to awaken,” he noted, expressing optimism about the region’s economic discourse.
President Ruto, in his welcoming address, remarked, “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.”
He further stated, “This occasion reflects the strength of our historical partnership, anchored in common ideals, deep respect, and a shared ambition for regional stability and progress.”
Uganda’s Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze and his Kenyan counterpart displaying the MOU on agriculture
He highlighted the deep connections between Kenya and Uganda, not only through geographical proximity but also through a longstanding spirit of brotherhood and mutual support within the East African community.
The signing of these agreements marks a significant step forward in fostering collaboration and economic growth in the region, promising new opportunities for both nations as they work together for a prosperous future.
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