KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda and Rwanda have formalized four new agreements covering health, education, agriculture, and local governance, in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two neighbors.
The memoranda of understanding were signed during the 12th session of the Joint Permanent Commission, a three-day meeting held in Kampala. Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, said the agreements are intended to enhance collaboration between institutions and improve socio-economic outcomes for citizens in both countries.
A joint communiqué issued at the close of the session on Wednesday outlined additional areas of cooperation beyond the signed agreements. These include renewed efforts in tourism development—particularly in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)—as well as conservation and sustainable tourism.
The two sides also noted progress in sectors such as defense and security, immigration, infrastructure, and information and communication technology.
To build on this progress, both countries agreed to strengthen coordination among relevant agencies, especially in addressing cross-border challenges and improving the movement of people and goods.
Further understandings were reached on handling veteran affairs and promoting investment, with officials tasked to ensure practical implementation of agreed measures.
The session, which followed a previous meeting held in Kigali in 2023, emphasized the importance of regional integration and maintaining strong neighborly relations.
Mulimba highlighted the close economic and security ties between the two nations, describing the commission as an important platform for dialogue and cooperation.
On her part, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Usta Kaitesi, commended Uganda on the peaceful conduct of its January 15 general elections and the re-election of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
She noted that relations between the two countries are built on shared history and sustained engagement between President Museveni and Paul Kagame.
Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the agreed initiatives, with the next session of the Joint Permanent Commission set to take place in Rwanda at a mutually agreed date.