Uganda, Tanzania Sign MoU on Defence & Security, Masaka-Mwanza Transmission Line

Uganda and Tanzania have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): an Inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Development of the 400KV Masaka-Mutukula-Kyaka-Nyakanazi-Mwanza Transmission Line and a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense and Security Cooperation.

The MoUs were signed at State House Entebbe on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 by Hon. Okello Henry Oryem, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs) and

Hon. Amb. Liberata R. Mulamula (MP), Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

President Museveni and his guest President Samia Suluhu witnessed the signing ceremony.

At the invitation of His Excellency Museveni, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, undertook a two-day State Visit to the Republic of Uganda.

She was received at State House, Entebbe, by her host, Museveni. Her Excellency was accompanied by Ministers and other Senior Government Officials from the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Heads of State held a tete-a-tete, followed by Official Talks where they were joined by Ministers and Senior Government Officials and discussed bilateral, regional as well as international matters of interest to the two countries.

Recalling the State Visit of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to the United Republic of Tanzania in November 2021, the two Heads of State directed the relevant Ministers to meet frequently to address the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and find solutions to challenges relating to trade. They directed that these decisions be implemented within one month.

In the area of Marine and Road Transport, the Heads of State applauded the re-opening of the Mwanza –Port Bell-Kampala Route, which is now fully operational and has greatly reduced the transit time from Dar-es-salaam to Kampala, which now takes only four (4) days, down from the previous nine (9) days thus reducing the cost of doing business.

Their Excellencies, the Presidents welcomed the commissioning of the construction of the Mutukula regional market, which will enhance trade and improve the livelihoods of citizens of Uganda and Tanzania and other countries in the region.

The Heads of State noted and welcomed the implementation of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP). Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan was also briefed on the progress of the EACOP.

The Heads of State noted the progress made since the JPC held in January 2022 and directed their respective Ministers to implement all agreed decisions.

Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan thanked her host, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government and the People of the Republic of Uganda for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to her and her delegation during their stay in Uganda.

Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan extended an invitation to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to visit the United Republic of Tanzania on a date to be communicated through diplomatic channels.