Rwanda and Uganda have pledged to strengthen trade, investment, and cooperation across key sectors following talks at the 12th session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in Kampala.
Senior officials from both countries met on Monday to review progress on earlier agreements and set new priorities for cooperation. The Rwandan delegation was led by Teta Gisa, Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ugandan side was led by Ambassador Richard Kabonero, head of regional economic cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting reviewed commitments made during the 11th JPC session held in Kigali in 2023. Officials also discussed new joint projects aimed at supporting development and regional integration.
Opening the session, Uganda’s foreign affairs minister called for easier cross-border trade. He also urged stronger cooperation in agriculture, industry, construction, and tourism to support economic growth in both countries.
Both sides agreed to address remaining trade barriers. They also pledged to improve trade facilitation under the East African Community framework.
Officials said discussions also focused on cooperation in security and defense, infrastructure development, immigration, police coordination, education, and skills development. They said these areas are important for regional stability and integration.
The talks are being held under the theme #UgandaRwandaJPC2026. They were jointly organized by Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Uganda High Commission in Kigali, and Rwandan authorities.
Delegates are expected to explore new joint projects and assess progress on earlier commitments. Officials said the goal is to turn agreements into practical results that benefit citizens in both countries.
The Joint Permanent Commission is a formal platform used by Rwanda and Uganda to address shared issues and strengthen cooperation. It also supports wider East African Community integration goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Officials said the meeting is expected to further improve bilateral relations and support development and livelihoods in both countries.
