Uganda and Somalia have officially launched preparations for the 2nd Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), Investment and Business Summit, scheduled for October 7–8, 2025, at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
Themed “Promoting Uganda–Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade & Tourism,” the summit aims to deepen economic, political, and social ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the media launch on Wednesday in Kampala, H.E. Prof. Sam Tulya-Muhika, Uganda’s Head of Mission in Mogadishu, emphasised the need to raise awareness among Ugandan businesses about the vast trade and investment opportunities in Somalia.
“As of now, trade flows are largely one-way. Somalis trade with Uganda, but Ugandans hardly trade with Somalia,” Prof. Tulya-Muhika said. “Our goal is to create a balanced exchange that strengthens trade, tourism, and partnerships so both countries can benefit equally.”
Historic Ties and a Call for Economic Cooperation
Prof. Tulya-Muhika highlighted the long-standing historical ties dating back to the 1920s Somali community in Uganda and Uganda’s support for Somalia’s stabilisation efforts since AMISOM deployments in 2007.
He noted that bilateral cooperation gained structure with the 2016 Framework Agreement, which allowed ministries and agencies to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under JPC oversight.
“The first JPC in 2022 produced MoUs on trade, investment, and other areas,” he explained. “This second session will review progress, sign new agreements on education, immigration, and labor, and ensure implementation plans accompany every MoU. Africa’s weakness is signing agreements without implementing them—we want to change that.”
Tulya-Muhika added that economic cooperation was vital for lasting bilateral ties: “Two countries cannot cooperate sustainably unless economic links—trade, investment, and tourism—are at the center. Peace alone is not enough; economic energy must drive the partnership.”
Somalia: Gratitude and Shared Vision
Mr. Abdelatif Ali, Deputy Ambassador of Somalia to Uganda, delivered remarks on behalf of Somalia’s Ambassador H.E. Fardowsa Mohamed Kanyare. He praised Uganda’s unwavering support in Somalia’s stabilization journey.
“Uganda has consistently stood with Somalia in difficult times—advancing peace, security, and stability,” Ali said. “For this, Somalia and its people remain profoundly grateful.”
He also recalled moments when Somalia supported Uganda, including mediating the 1974 Organisation of African Unity (OAU) peace agreement between Uganda and Tanzania.
Looking ahead, he confirmed that the second JPC would review existing agreements and sign new ones in education, immigration, and labor, while exploring opportunities in health, security, and refugee affairs.
“When Somalia and Uganda work together, we strengthen the wider East African region and contribute to continental integration,” Ali noted. “Economic cooperation projects—like expanding agricultural exports—will create lasting bonds between our peoples.”
Uganda Focuses on Trade, Investment, and Tourism
Representing Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation, urged the private sector to seize opportunities presented by the summit. “For Uganda, our missions abroad have three key instructions: look for markets, look for investors, and look for tourists,” Amb. Kabonero said.
“In the last 15 years, Uganda has added 31 new products to its export markets, and there is no better market than our neighbours and the region. This summit will showcase Uganda’s expanded manufacturing base, education services, and agricultural products to Somali partners.”
Kabonero cited aviation and education as high-potential sectors, noting that Uganda Airlines’ Mogadishu route was among the most lucrative in the region.
“People who study in your schools and eat your food are well-disposed to you in the future,” he added. “We want Somali students, businesspeople, and tourists to see Uganda as a destination for education, trade, and leisure.”
Key Highlights of the Upcoming Summit
The October 7–8 summit will: review the implementation of the MoUs signed in 2022, sign new agreements on immigration, education, and labor cooperation, promote investment in agriculture, aviation, manufacturing, and tourism, engage the private sector from both countries in a business and investment forum, and strengthen regional integration within the East African Community (EAC) framework.
Both governments expressed hope that the Presidents of Uganda and Somalia will grace the event, as they did in 2022.
Prof. Tulya-Muhika stressed the importance of economic balance and African solidarity: “We want to raise awareness so Ugandan businesses can invest in Somalia too. We are not there for selfish gain but for an African vision: a stronger, united continent where no member state is left behind.”
The summit is expected to draw government officials, business leaders, investors, and development partners from both countries, signaling a new era of economic diplomacy between Uganda and Somalia.
