Uganda has reiterated its unwavering commitment and readiness to continue working with Burundi to strengthen relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The pledge was renewed by Hon. John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Uganda, on the occasion of the 3rd session of the Burundi – Uganda Joint Permanent Commission held on 22nd – 24th March 2022 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Th event was attended by Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, Honorable Ministers of the Republic of Burundi, Ministers from the Republic of Uganda, H.E Mrs Epihanie Ntamwana Kabushemeye, Ambassador Of Burundi To Uganda, Ambassadors and Permanent Secretaries.
In his speech, Mulimba thanked the Government of the Republic of Burundi for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to them since arriving in Bujumbura to participate in this 3rd Session of the Joint Permanent Commission between the Republic of Burundi and the Republic of Uganda.
The 2nd Session of the Burundi Uganda Joint Permanent Commission was held in Kampala on 26th -28th August 1991.
He said it, therefore, has taken too long to hold the 3rd Session.
“In this regard, we wish to pay our special tributes to you, and the Government of the Republic of Burundi, for the tireless efforts you have exerted to have this Session convened here in this beautiful city of Bujumbura. This also goes to the technical teams and senior officials of both countries for their tireless efforts in preparing for this session, and since the Session began two days ago deliberating and harmonizing on issues that are further to be considered and agreed upon by the Honorable Ministers today.”
The minister said it has to be appreciated that the inability to convene the 3rd Session on time, for such a long period of time has greatly affected efforts to pursue vigorous bilateral activities on a more sustainable basis.
“It is therefore important we now utilize this 3rd Session to maximize our discussions on issues that should help to improve the livelihoods of our two peoples.”
Burundi and Uganda enjoy cordial and historical bilateral relations which have been characterized by regular exchange of visits at all levels of Government including the Heads of State.
This has also seen two countries come to the aid of each during extreme moments of need. Uganda has also been involved in the peace-making process to restore peace and stability in Burundi over the past two decades, minister Mulimba explained.
While the political and diplomatic relations between Uganda and Burundi have been cordial, the products of peace are yet to be optimally harnessed to promote trade relations between the two countries as they remain low, (actually the lowest in the East African region).
Uganda and Burundi are land-linked countries and the session was mandated to deliberate on infrastructure development projects that address geographical location challenges aiming at making both countries land-linked through appropriate road and railway networks that provide easy access to world markets.
“There is, therefore, need for us to work together to promote bilateral trade relations between Uganda and Burundi, if the attainment of the socio-economic transformation agenda by our two countries, and the improvement of the welfare of our two peoples is to be realized in the context of the East African Community and the African Union Agenda 2063,” the minister noted.
He said Uganda is ready to work with Burundi to ensure that all that is required in terms of a conducive policy environment is put in place bilateral trade levels between the two countries are enhanced.
“Colleague Ministers, we have to be conscious of the fact that, this will not only require a conducive policy environment but also enhanced physical and communication infrastructure. In this regard therefore, Uganda reiterates its commitment to work with Burundi to explore all possibilities of ensuring that the physical and communication infrastructure is enhanced to boost the smooth flow of trade between the two countries.”
He commended both countries for their spirit of Pan-Africanism and constructive engagement exhibited in their commitment to support regional peace and security initiatives against terrorism not only in Burundi and Uganda, but also in the region under the auspices of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) as well as African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
“With your indulgence, allow me to recall that Uganda and Burundi were the first troop-contributing countries to deploy in Somalia under AMISOM. I wish, on this note, to laud the two governments and their respective Missions in Addis Ababa for their support on AMISOM funding matters during the African Union Commission budgeting processes.”
He conveyed Uganda’s appreciation of Lt Gen Diomede Ndegeya, the AMISOM Force Commander for the Year 2021 for his teamwork with the Ugandan Contingent in Somalia.
“The world has just emerged from a two-year lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic. It has had adverse effects on the socio-economic wellbeing of people across the world. It is now apparent that epidemics can spread so fast. Therefore, it is imperative for us to work together to put in place policies and mechanisms to mitigate and prevent the spread of such epidemics in future. In this regard, Uganda is ready to work with Burundi and other countries in the region to enhance collaboration and cooperation frameworks in fighting the outbreak and spreading of epidemics.”
The 4th session of the Burundi-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission will be hosted by Uganda in 2023 on a date to be mutually agreed upon.
It is important to note that holding of JPCs regular basis is critical in reviewing the status of implementation of agreed-upon decisions and to explore new areas of cooperation.
Against this background, Uganda pledged to ensure that the next session is held on schedule and a proposed date will be communicated through usual diplomatic channels.
