By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L. H. D (Hon)
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ: OFFICIAL VISIT OF H.E. YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA, TO THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA (30–31 JULY 2025)
At the invitation of His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, undertook an Official Visit to Kenya from 30th to 31st July 2025.
President Museveni was accompanied by the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, along with Cabinet Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, Finance, Trade, Transport, Energy, Agriculture, Tourism, Lands, and other senior government officials.
Bilateral Engagements
The two Heads of State held substantive and cordial talks at State House, Nairobi, covering a broad range of bilateral, regional, and international matters. They reaffirmed the enduring friendship and deep-rooted ties between Kenya and Uganda and reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for the mutual benefit of their people.
The leaders welcomed the positive outcomes achieved since the 2nd Session of the Kenya-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), including the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across strategic sectors:
- MoU on Mining – for collaboration in mineral exploration, development, and extraction.
- MoU on Fisheries and Aquaculture – to strengthen information systems and promote sustainable aquaculture.
- MoU on Transport Cooperation – to enhance logistics and develop diversified transport linkages.
- MoU on Agriculture and Animal Industry – to support agricultural productivity and livestock development.
- MoU on Tourism – focused on human resource development and joint marketing of East Africa as a single tourist destination.
- MoU on Sustainable Urban Development (GBM Project, 2025–2028) – for joint infrastructure and economic development projects in the Greater Busia Metro region.
- MoU on Standards – between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and Uganda National Bureau of Standards to promote cross-border trade.
- MoU on Investment Promotion – to enhance collaboration in business facilitation and investment.
The leaders further noted progress on other strategic instruments, including the Cross-Border Transformative Agenda for Uganda’s Karamoja and Sebei regions and Kenya’s Turkana and West Pokot counties. These initiatives are aimed at fostering peace and socio-economic development in border communities.
Trade and Regional Integration
The Heads of State expressed serious concern over the continued existence of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) hindering trade between the two nations, emphasizing their detrimental impact on farmers, traders, and consumers. They underscored the urgent need for a principled and expedited resolution to all remaining Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers.
They recalled their directive to Ministers responsible for Trade to convene and resolve these issues without delay and set a firm deadline of October 2025 for this engagement.
President Ruto commended Uganda for completing infrastructure works on its side of the Suam One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) and affirmed Kenya’s commitment to complete its portion by September 2025, ensuring full operationalization of the facility.
Border Reaffirmation and Security
Reaffirming the African Union’s directive on international boundary reaffirmation and demarcation, the leaders acknowledged the slow progress since the 2019 signing of the MoU on the Kenya-Uganda border. They directed the relevant authorities to adhere to the agreed roadmap and expedite the implementation process.
On peace and security, the Heads of State emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable environment as the foundation for sustainable development. They applauded local initiatives, particularly efforts by Ateker leaders and communities, and acknowledged the success of the High-Level Leaders’ meeting held in Moroto, Uganda, on 1st November 2024.
They pledged to work together in addressing regional conflicts through inclusive, root-cause-based approaches and by supporting continental and international peace initiatives. They also commended efforts being made across the East African Community (EAC), the Great Lakes Region, and the Horn of Africa.
Regional and Multilateral Affairs
The two Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the EAC integration agenda under the four pillars: Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation. They emphasized unity and shared prosperity as cornerstones of regional development.
On multilateral matters, the leaders reiterated the need to champion the Global South’s agenda and called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations and other international institutions to enhance responsiveness to contemporary global challenges.
Conclusion
President Museveni expressed his sincere gratitude to President Ruto, the Government, and the people of Kenya for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
This Joint Communiqué was issued on 31st July 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Signed:
For the Republic of Kenya:
H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, E.G.H.
Prime Cabinet Secretary & Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
For the Republic of Uganda:
Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar
Minister of Foreign Affairs
HICGI News Agency 