Uganda–Kenya Relations Deepen with Signing of 7 New Bilateral Pacts

Uganda–Kenya Relations Deepen with Signing of 7 New Bilateral Pacts

Uganda and Kenya have strengthened their long-standing partnership with the signing of seven additional bilateral agreements, bringing the total number of formal pacts between the two nations to 25. The agreements were signed in Nairobi during President Yoweri Museveni’s official visit to his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto.

The newly signed memoranda of understanding focus on tourism, agriculture, aquaculture, livestock management, investment promotion, transport infrastructure, and harmonization of product standards. These agreements are expected to boost cross-border trade, unlock investment opportunities, and accelerate regional integration.

Speaking during the joint press briefing, President Ruto emphasized the shared commitment to economic growth and unity:

“These agreements reflect our common vision to unlock the full potential of our people and our economies. We reaffirmed our united stance on closer collaboration in key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, energy, security, and regional integration.”

President Museveni urged African nations to shift focus from rhetoric to production, stressing the importance of industrialization and intra-African trade. “The more goods and services you produce, the wealthier you become,” he remarked, calling for stronger value chains and infrastructure-led growth.

Notably, the property rights framework under the new agreements will empower informal traders, women, and youth in the Greater Busia Metro between 2025 and 2028 — a major step toward inclusive growth. Both leaders also pledged to eliminate non-tariff barriers, upgrade border points, and create mechanisms for easier investment facilitation across the East African Community (EAC).

President Ruto described the signing as “a reflection of the strength of our historical partnership, anchored in common ideals, deep respect, and a shared ambition for regional stability and progress.”

With these new agreements, Uganda and Kenya have not only reinforced their bilateral relations but also positioned themselves as anchors of East African development, paving the way for operationalizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

As the two nations align their strategies toward 2026, the pacts are expected to enhance trade, investment, and shared prosperity in the region — offering a model for deeper cooperation across Africa.

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