KAMPALA — The 12th Uganda–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) has opened in Kampala, with senior officials from both countries reaffirming commitments to strengthen cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure, and human capital development under the East African Community framework.
The meeting, held at Mestil Hotel & Residences in Nsambya, brought together senior delegations led by Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their counterparts from Rwanda, marking another step in efforts to consolidate diplomatic and economic ties between the two neighbouring states.
Opening the Senior Officials’ Session, Uganda’s delegation leader, Amb. Richard T. Kabonero welcomed his Rwandan counterparts and emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between the two countries.
“A warm welcome to the 12th Session of the Uganda–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission,” Amb. Kabonero said. “Uganda joins you in remembrance and commemoration of your loved ones lost during the genocide against the Tutsi 32 years ago and reaffirms our resolve of never again.”
He underscored that despite the absence of a formal JPC in recent years, cooperation between the two countries had continued across multiple sectors. “Even without the JPC, our two countries have continued to enhance cooperation in Defence and Security, Energy, Infrastructure, Local Government and Regional Integration,” he said.
Kabonero noted emerging cross-border challenges that require joint responses, while also pointing to new opportunities for collaboration.
“We must continuously confront challenges and opportunities that emerge and explore new areas of cooperation,” he said, listing “pandemics, zoonotic diseases, climate change, human and wildlife trafficking, as well as cybercrimes” as shared challenges.
He also called for innovation-driven collaboration, adding: “Let’s dedicate this 12th Session to finding innovative ways of enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our people.”
Rwanda’s delegation, led by Ms Teta Gisa, Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Uganda for its hospitality and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to constructive engagement.
“It is a distinct honour and privilege to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Government and the people of the Republic of Uganda for the warm welcome and generous hospitality,” she said.
She emphasised that the JPC reflects strong political will on both sides. “This JPC is the framework of the strong political will and high expectations of our respective leaderships to further strengthen political and economic cooperation between our two countries,” Ms Gisa said.
She noted that discussions would review progress made since the last JPC held in Kigali in 2023, while also setting the stage for expanded cooperation. “We will review progress across our existing areas of cooperation in political and diplomatic consultations, trade and customs, defence and security, immigration, justice, infrastructure, energy, aviation, and ICT,” she said.
Ms Gisa further called for practical outcomes from the deliberations. “This session should serve as a platform to generate tangible and implementable outcomes that respond to the aspirations of our citizens,” she said. “Our cooperation must continue to translate into improved livelihoods, enhanced regional integration, and sustained socio-economic transformation.”
She urged delegates to engage in open dialogue and consensus-building. “Let us share ideas candidly, build consensus, and lay a solid foundation for the decisions that will be considered at the Permanent Secretaries’ and Ministerial Sessions,” she said.
The meeting also reviewed commitments under the East African Community integration agenda, with both sides highlighting priorities in trade facilitation, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism, and regional infrastructure development.
The JPC underscores renewed momentum in Uganda–Rwanda relations, with expectations that the outcomes will further strengthen economic ties and regional integration under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework.
