KAMPALA — Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have opened the 9th Session of the Uganda-DRC Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in Kampala, with officials from both countries focusing on strengthening security cooperation, trade, infrastructure development, energy integration, and regional stability.
The three-day high-level meeting, running from May 8 to 10 at Mestil Hotel, follows a February 2026 midterm review held in Mpondwe that assessed progress on bilateral agreements, including visa waivers and simplified cross-border trade arrangements.
This year’s session is being held under the theme: “Scaling Shared Prosperity: Trade, Infrastructure and Security for Enhanced Bilateral Relations, Regional Stability and Socioeconomic Transformation.”
Opening the meeting, Ambassador John Leonard Mugerwa reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening ties with the DRC.
“It is my great honour and privilege to welcome you all to the 9th Session of the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo Joint Permanent Commission,” Amb. Mugerwa said.
He noted that Uganda and the DRC share “deep historical, cultural, social, and economic ties” that continue to strengthen cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
“Our relations have remained cordial and productive, guided by mutual respect, good neighbourliness, and a shared desire for peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” he added.
Focus on security cooperation
Security and defence cooperation dominated early discussions, with delegations reviewing progress under Operation Shujaa, the joint Uganda-DRC military offensive against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) operating in eastern Congo.
According to implementation reports presented during the session, both governments agreed to continue military collaboration aimed at neutralising terrorist and armed groups in the region.
The meeting also revisited unresolved border concerns, particularly allegations surrounding the removal of border markers in the Busanza area in eastern DRC.
Officials confirmed that Uganda had already constituted a joint verification committee and was awaiting final confirmation from the Congolese side before conducting the verification exercise.
Trade and infrastructure agenda
Trade and economic integration are also central to the talks, with both countries discussing the elimination of non-tariff barriers, operationalisation of One Stop Border Posts, and harmonisation of customs procedures.
Officials are expected to finalise a revised memorandum of understanding on trade cooperation during the current session.
Progress updates presented during the meeting showed that the strategic Kasindi–Beni road project is now 60 percent complete, while the Beni–Butembo section stands at 6 percent completion.
Delegates are also reviewing plans for Standard Gauge Railway connectivity between Uganda and the DRC, including harmonisation of technical standards and timelines following Uganda’s March 2026 railway cooperation agreement with Tanzania.
Energy and aviation cooperation
In the energy sector, technical teams are discussing the implementation of the Nkenda–Beni–Bunia–Butembo high-voltage electricity transmission line aimed at improving regional power connectivity.
Talks are also ongoing on hydrocarbons cooperation, including joint technical frameworks and participation in future oil and gas licensing opportunities.
On aviation, the commission is reviewing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement and a proposed Search and Rescue framework between the two countries.
Uganda is also seeking approval for additional flight routes, including connections to Goma, Kisangani, and Lubumbashi.
Refugees and legal cooperation
The commission is also examining social and legal issues, including the management of nearly 500,000 Congolese refugees currently hosted in Uganda.
According to implementation reports, the number of Congolese refugees in Uganda rose significantly following continued instability in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Officials are expected to discuss judicial cooperation, extradition arrangements, mutual legal assistance, and the transfer of convicted prisoners.
Amb. Mugerwa said the Joint Permanent Commission remains an important platform for resolving challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
“Through constructive dialogue and strengthened institutional cooperation, we can enhance trade facilitation, improve connectivity, promote investment, and reinforce collaboration in security, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and other strategic sectors,” he said.
He urged delegates to remain guided by “the spirit of partnership, mutual trust, and shared responsibility” as discussions continue. The 10th Session of the Uganda-DRC Joint Permanent Commission is expected to be hosted in Kinshasa in May 2028.