Kenya Signs 7 Deals With Uganda Ahead of Museveni’s State Visit

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Tuesday signed seven Memoranda of Understanding with his Ugandan counterpart General Odongo Jeje Abubakhar aimed at strengthening trade ties between the two nations.

In a statement from the State Department of Foreign Affairs, the duo held a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Kampala, Uganda where they sought to eliminate trade barriers.

The meeting climaxed with the signing of seven MoUs which focused on vital areas including Diplomatic training, public service management, education, youth affairs, sports, trade and investment as well as the development of Small and Medium Enterprises.

The JMC was critical as it paved the way for Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s two-day State visit beginning Wednesday, May 15.

“I desire that the issues on Non-Tariff Barriers that have continued to hamper cross-border trade between our countries are further discussed at length and a conclusive position reached to enable the augmentation of bilateral trade,” Mudavadi stated.

“It is also imperative to address other outstanding issues relating to immigration, boundary reaffirmation which has progressed at a slow pace due to challenges related to funding and hence impacting on the program of action and other cross-border matters.”

On his part, General Abubakhar emphasised the need to resolve the constraints to enhance the mutual understanding between the two countries.

“I am confident that if we openly discuss and resolve these issues, we will enhance our mutual understanding, deepen our bilateral cooperation, enhance trade between our countries and promote common prosperity for our people,” he pointed out.

The two countries have experienced months of tiffs which has led to the intervention of both governments to address the situation. Recently, Museveni lifted a 12-year mineral ban following an agreement with President Ruto.

Additionally, Kenya lifted a ban blocking the importation of powdered milk from Uganda, leading to a surge in demand for the product in the market.

Another issue that caused tension between the two nations was Kenya denying Uganda a licence to channel its petroleum products from the Mombasa Port using Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) infrastructure.

This forced Uganda to scramble its own importation avenues devised by the Uganda National Oil Company. 

The tiff also led to a sit-down between Museveni and Ruto where they charted a way forward and resolved the stalemate.