Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are holding the 9th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), with discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, trade, infrastructure, energy and legal affairs.

The high-level meeting follows a February 2026 midterm review held in Mpondwe, where both countries focused on improving economic and security collaboration, including the operationalization of visa waivers and simplified trade regimes.

Security and defense remain among the key priorities of the current session. Delegations are reviewing the progress of Operation Shujaa, the joint military operation aimed at eliminating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and other terrorist groups operating in eastern DRC. Officials are also discussing technical border verification issues, particularly in the Busanza sector.

Trade and economic integration discussions are focused on removing non-tariff barriers and harmonizing cross-border operations to boost commerce between the two neighboring countries. A revised memorandum of understanding on trade cooperation is expected to be finalized during the session.

Infrastructure development is also taking center stage at the commission. Officials confirmed that the Kasindi-Beni road project is now 60 percent complete, while progress on the Beni-Butembo section currently stands at 6 percent.

Uganda and the DRC are further aligning technical studies and implementation timelines for Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) routes following the March 2026 Uganda-Tanzania agreement aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and trade.

In the aviation sector, the commission is reviewing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement and finalizing a Search and Rescue framework intended to improve coordination between the two countries.

Energy and hydrocarbons cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Technical teams are advancing plans for the Nkenda-Beni-Bunia-Butembo high-voltage transmission line while updating cooperation protocols in the hydrocarbons sector.

The session is additionally addressing social and legal matters, including the management of nearly 500,000 Congolese refugees currently hosted in Uganda. Delegates are also reviewing frameworks on judicial cooperation and the transfer of convicted persons between the two countries.

The ongoing talks reflect growing efforts by Uganda and the DRC to strengthen regional integration, improve security and expand economic cooperation across multiple sectors.