KAMPALA, UGANDA – In a significant move to boost economic cooperation, Uganda and Kenya have signed a new agreement to strengthen their economic ties. The agreement, reached on May 14, 2024, aims to explore new areas of cooperation and enhance collaboration in infrastructure development, energy, and agriculture.
According to a joint communique, the two countries have agreed to resolve all tariff and non-tariff barriers to promote mutual growth, development, and prosperity. The communique stated, “We are committed to strengthening our bilateral ties and deepening cooperation in various sectors, further solidifying the warm and brotherly relations between Kenya and Uganda.”
The agreement was reached during the Second Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala from May 12 to 14, 2024. The meeting was led by Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, and Dr. Musalia Mudavadi E.G.H., Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya.
The cooperation in the economic sector is expected to improve trade between the two countries, create new investment opportunities, and enhance economic development. The two nations will also cooperate in multilateral forums and address regional, continental, and global developments.
The JMC meeting aimed to review the implementation status of agreed commitments, consider multi-sectoral matters, deliberate on obstacles and challenges to doing business, and resolve outstanding and emerging issues. The meeting adopted three outcome documents: the Joint Communiqué, Agreed Minutes, and the Updated Decision Matrix, which will guide future engagements and implementation of agreed decisions.
A robust Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism has been established to ensure the effective implementation of these agreements. The mechanism will help foster economic development and improve the livelihoods of citizens in both countries.
Kenya will host the Third Session of the JMC in 2026 at a date and venue to be mutually agreed upon by both parties through diplomatic channels.
