Presidents Museveni of Uganda and William Ruto of Kenya have signed seven new bilateral agreements, increasing the total number of trade and cooperation accords between the two East African neighbors to 25.
The agreements, signed during Museveni’s visit to Nairobi, cover diverse sectors including tourism, property rights, fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, transport, and investment promotion.
At a joint press conference, President Museveni underscored the importance of production for national wealth, referencing biblical wisdom.
“They left undone what they ought to have done and did what they ought not to have done.”
He emphasized that wealth depends on industrial and agricultural output.
“The more goods and services you produce, the wealthier you become,” he said.
President Ruto reaffirmed the strong ties between Kenya and Uganda.
“Our discussions covered bilateral, regional, and continental priorities, reinforcing our commitment to collaboration in infrastructure, trade, energy, security, and regional integration.”
He emphasized the deep historical and cultural connections within the East African Community, describing the partnership as rooted in shared values and ambitions for regional stability and progress.
Summary of the Agreements
- Tourism Cooperation: Aims to strengthen tourism sectors to attract more regional and global visitors.
- Property Rights: Focuses on supporting local governments and empowering informal women and youth traders in the Busia Metro region from 2025 to 2028.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture: Creates a joint framework for sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture resources.
- Agriculture and Animal Industry: Promotes collaboration to boost agricultural and livestock productivity.
- Transport Cooperation: Enhances transport infrastructure and logistics to facilitate trade.
- Standards Bureau Cooperation: Strengthens ties between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and Uganda National Bureau of Standards to align quality controls.
- Investment Promotion: Encourages cross-border investments, innovation, and technology exchange.
