President Museveni And President Ruto Sign New Bilateral Agreements, Elevating Cooperation

Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and William Ruto of Kenya have signed new bilateral agreements, increasing the total number of trade and cooperation agreements between the two nations to 25. These new agreements span diverse sectors including tourism, property rights, fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, and transport, underscoring a mutual commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional cooperation.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) formalized today include:

Tourism Cooperation: Aimed at enhancing the tourism sectors in both countries to attract more visitors.

Property Rights: Focused on building resilience for local governments and supporting informal women and youth traders within the greater Busia Metro from 2025 to 2028.

Fisheries and Aquaculture: Establishing a framework for collaboration in this sector.

Agriculture and Animal Industry: Promoting cooperation in agricultural production and livestock management.

Transport Cooperation: Addressing issues related to transport infrastructure and networks.

Standards Bureau Cooperation: Strengthening relations between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.

Investment Promotion: Providing a framework for mutual benefit to enhance technological and investment relations between the two countries.

During a joint press conference, President Museveni emphasized the critical importance of Africa leveraging its abundant resources and the need for economic rationalization. He quoted a biblical prayer to highlight the urgency for African nations to address their potential, stating, “They left undone what they ought to have done and did what they ought not to have done,” identifying this as a significant challenge for the continent.

President Museveni asserted that modern economies are founded on the production of goods and services, particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors. He posed a key question, “The more goods and services you produce, the wealthier you become. But a central question remains: who buys what you produce?”. He stressed that discussions should prioritize market access and consumer engagement , expressing optimism about the region’s economic discourse by noting, “East Africa is beginning to awaken”.

President Ruto, in his welcoming address, stated that his deliberations with President Museveni covered an extensive range of bilateral, regional, and continental priorities. He reaffirmed a united stance on closer collaboration in key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, energy, security, and regional integration. President Ruto highlighted that this occasion reflects the strength of the historical partnership between Kenya and Uganda, anchored in common ideals, deep respect, and a shared ambition for regional stability and progress. He further emphasized the deep connections between the two nations, not only through geographical proximity but also through a longstanding spirit of brotherhood and mutual support within the East African community.

The signing of these agreements marks a significant step forward in fostering collaboration and economic growth in the region, promising new opportunities for both nations as they work together for a prosperous future.