Ugandan President Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto have signed a new series of bilateral agreements aimed at deepening economic integration and strengthening cooperation between their two countries.
The latest pacts bring the total number of trade and cooperation agreements between Uganda and Kenya to 25.
Signed during President Museveni’s visit to Nairobi, the new Memoranda of Understanding span a wide range of sectors including tourism, agriculture, transport, fisheries, property rights, and investment promotion.
Under the new agreements, Uganda and Kenya will collaborate to enhance tourism across borders, improve the efficiency of transport networks, and develop robust policies for fisheries and aquaculture.
In addition, the two nations have pledged to promote agricultural productivity, improve livestock management, and support informal women and youth traders in the greater Busia Metropolitan Area between 2025 and 2028.
The accords also include renewed commitments to harmonise property rights, enhance cooperation between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and boost technological and investment ties.
Speaking during a joint press conference, President Museveni stressed the importance of industrial and agricultural productivity as pillars of modern economies.
Quoting from 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 countries to realise their full potential.
“The more goods and services you produce, the wealthier you become,” Museveni said. “But a central question remains: who buys what you produce?” He urged regional leaders to focus discussions on market access and consumer engagement as a way to drive economic transformation.
President Museveni also expressed optimism about the region’s economic trajectory, noting, “East Africa is beginning to awaken.”
President Ruto, in his address, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to closer collaboration with Uganda across key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, energy, security, and regional integration. He described the occasion as a reaffirmation of the longstanding partnership between the two countries, rooted in shared values and a collective vision for stability and progress in East Africa.
“The strength of our historical partnership is anchored in common ideals, deep respect, and a shared ambition for regional development,” Ruto stated. He also emphasised the bonds of brotherhood and mutual support that continue to define Kenya–Uganda relations.
The signing of these new agreements marks a significant step in fostering cross-border collaboration and unlocking new economic opportunities for both nations. As regional cooperation gains momentum, leaders from both sides expressed confidence in a future defined by prosperity and integration.
