KAMPALA.President Museveni Thursday night held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio which largely focused on strengthening cooperation in migration, trade, and regional security.
According to a statement by US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Secretary Rubio and President Museveni discussed “opportunities to deepen U.S.–Uganda cooperation on migration, reciprocal trade, and commercial ties.”
This gesture signals renewed efforts by the US to restore ties with Uganda which had strained in recent years.
Rubio also praised Uganda’s role as a “model of regional stability,” citing its peacekeeping contributions in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The call follows Kampala’s confirmation of a temporary agreement with Washington to host certain asylum seekers denied protection in the United States but unable to safely return home.
The deal, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire, excludes individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors, and is still under negotiation between the two governments.
Trade Relations
Trade featured prominently in the discussions. Uganda’s exports to the US — once buoyed by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) — were severely affected in 2023 when the Biden administration suspended Uganda from AGOA eligibility over the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
The decision effectively cut off duty-free access for Ugandan exports such as coffee, vanilla, fish, and textiles, dealing a blow to farmers and manufacturers who relied on the US market.
Since then, Ugandan officials have been keen to revive bilateral trade relations, particularly under Trump’s presidency, which has taken a more pragmatic stance.
Washington has hinted at exploring alternative trade frameworks, with Rubio’s reference to “reciprocal trade and commercial ties” interpreted as a sign that Kampala may have a pathway back to preferential or negotiated access.
In 2022, before the suspension, Uganda’s exports to the United States were valued at over $200 million. Kampala is now lobbying for renewed American investment in agro-processing, oil and gas, and infrastructure, sectors seen as central to Uganda’s economic transformation.
Security Cooperation
Rubio also underscored Washington’s appreciation for Uganda’s role in regional peace efforts.
Uganda remains one of the largest troop contributors to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and has played a frontline role in stabilisation missions in eastern DRC .