Kenya and Uganda Strengthen Ties Through Eight Strategic Agreements

Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant step toward deeper regional integration, Kenya and Uganda signed eight comprehensive agreements during Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s official visit to Nairobi on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between the East African neighbors.

The memorandums of understanding, witnessed by both President William Ruto and President Museveni at State House Nairobi, span critical sectors including tourism, transport, mining, fisheries, agriculture, livestock, standards assurance, and investment promotion. These new agreements build upon 17 existing bilateral frameworks, creating a robust foundation for enhanced economic collaboration.

President Ruto emphasized that the agreements represent more than diplomatic formalities, describing them as instruments designed to deliver tangible benefits for citizens of both nations. “We are united in our commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and delivering shared prosperity, while working together towards a stronger and integrated region,” Ruto declared during the signing ceremony.

The transport and logistics agreement emerged as a cornerstone of the partnership, with ambitious infrastructure projects taking center stage. President Ruto briefed his Ugandan counterpart on Kenya’s plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba, creating a seamless connection into Uganda. Additionally, the dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road will extend to Malaba and continue across the border, promising to revolutionize trade corridors between the two countries.

Trade facilitation received particular attention through the standards and quality assurance agreement, which will strengthen collaboration between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. This partnership aims to eliminate substandard goods from both markets while enhancing the overall quality of traded products.

The agricultural and livestock cooperation agreement addresses food security concerns across the region by deepening veterinary services collaboration and crop health initiatives. Meanwhile, the fisheries agreement opens new opportunities for both nations to harness their blue economy potential, particularly important given their shared water resources.

A particularly innovative aspect of the agreements involves the Greater Busia Metro Project, which will enable joint infrastructure development programs on both sides of the border. This cross-border metropolitan initiative represents a novel approach to regional urban planning and development.

The mining agreement tackles persistent challenges in the sector, promoting responsible mineral exploitation while building institutional capacity to combat cross-border mineral smuggling. The tourism partnership focuses on joint marketing initiatives, cultural exchanges, and eco-tourism development to maximize the region’s tourism potential.

Beyond the formal agreements, both leaders announced a major industrial initiative that could reshape the region’s manufacturing landscape. Kenya and Uganda have committed to establishing what they describe as the largest steel factory in the region, a joint venture designed to reduce dependence on steel imports while creating export opportunities.

However, the discussions also addressed ongoing challenges that have hindered regional trade. President Ruto raised concerns about persistent non-tariff barriers that continue to disrupt goods movement and undermine East African Community integration goals. These barriers particularly impact farmers and small traders, affecting livelihoods across both countries.

The longstanding Migingo fishing dispute, which has periodically strained relations between the two countries, received renewed attention. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving this issue, with ongoing negotiations on a Cross-Border Resource Sharing Agreement expected to provide a framework for addressing such disputes.

President Museveni used the occasion to advocate for broader African market consolidation, drawing parallels to the United States’ economic success through large market creation. “The United States became prosperous because of creating a large market, making trade easier and more efficient,” Museveni observed, calling for similar approaches across East Africa and the wider African continent.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Joint Ministerial Commission Mid-Term Review and Joint Trade Committee meeting scheduled for October 2025 will serve as crucial platforms for addressing trade barriers and monitoring the implementation of these new agreements.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional institutions and advancing East African Community objectives, including the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and the ultimate goal of Political Federation. These agreements represent concrete steps toward these broader regional integration aspirations.

The signing ceremony concluded with both presidents expressing optimism about the transformative potential of these partnerships. As East Africa continues to navigate global economic challenges, the Kenya-Uganda agreements provide a template for how regional cooperation can drive shared prosperity while addressing common challenges through collaborative solutions.