Uganda, Kenya Agree to Resolve Tariff & Non – Tariff Barriers to Stimulate Mutual Economic Growth

Uganda and Kenya have Committed to Deepen foreign affairs and security, economic and socio-cultural ties at the second session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Kampala.

The second session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) between the two sister countries was held from May 12 to 14, 2024.
 
The delegation of the Republic of Uganda was led by Hon. Gen Jeje Odongo Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation of the Republic of Kenya was led by Hon. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi E.G.H., Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

The convening of the second session of the JMC which had been scheduled to be held in 2021, was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The two Ministers noted the warm, cordial and brotherly relations between Kenya and Uganda, noting that these relations are based on deep historical economic and socio-cultural ties that predate the independence of both countries.

They spearheaded the deliberations that focused on assessing the level of implementation of previous decisions, addressing any outstanding or emerging issues and exploring new areas of cooperation under three broad areas of Foreign Affairs and Security Sector; Economic Sector; and Socio-Cultural Sector.
 
They hailed the historic and cordial relations that exist between the two countries and underscored the need to continue working together to further deepen political, economic and socio-cultural ties.
 
Hon. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi congratulated Uganda for successfully holding the NAM Summit and G77 summits and assuming the chairmanship of the two important organizations in January 2024.
 
The two principals exchanged views on regional, continental and global developments and reiterated continued efforts and sustained cooperation between the two countries in the multilateral forums.

Accordingly, they underscored the importance of regular consultations on matters of candidatures, environment, regional peace initiatives and the United
 
“The Ministers identified the opportunities existing in their two countries that could be exploited for the socio-economic transformation of their respective citizens.

The two countries agreed to strengthening collaboration in infrastructure development, energy, and agriculture. This cooperation aims to “improve the economic ties between the two nations and create new opportunities for economic growth.”

Uganda and Kenya also agreed to resolve all tariff and non-tariff barriers to promote mutual growth, development, and prosperity. In this regard, they directed technical officials to meet and consult regularly.
 
The two countries reiterated the need to establish a robust Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism to ensure expeditious and full implementation of decisions reached during the previous and present sessions of JMC and other bilateral and meetings.

They welcomed the proposal to hold a joint technical committee meeting to address any trade and investment issues that may still be pending, recalling the strong bilateral ties of friendship that the two countries enjoy.

It was agreed that Kenya will host the Third Session of the JMC in 2026 at a date and venue to be mutually agreed upon by both parties through diplomatic channels.