Uganda, Somalia Seal New Deals to Boost Trade and Cooperation

By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L. H. D (Hon.)

Updated at 1846 EAT on Wednesday 08th October 2025

Kampala– Uganda and Somalia have taken major steps to boost their bilateral relations, signing new cooperation agreements and charting fresh areas of partnership during the Second Session of the Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) and Investment and Business Forum, held from 7–8 October 2025 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.

Representing Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Somalia’s Minister of Education Hon. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir conveyed warm greetings from the President of Somalia to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the people of Uganda.

The high-level meeting brought together senior government officials from both countries. The Somali delegation was led by H.E. Hon. Farahsheikh Abdulkadir, Minister of Education, while Hon. John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, led the Ugandan side.

Hon. John Mulimba officiates at the Ministerial Session of the 2nd Somalia- Uganda JPC at Mestil Hotel. In his remarks, he welcomed the ministers and senior officials to the ministerial session.

Stronger Bilateral Cooperation

The two ministers praised the warm and growing relationship between Uganda and Somalia, reaffirming their commitment to work closely in areas that promote trade, investment, free movement of people, and improved livelihoods for citizens of both nations.

They agreed that JPC sessions will continue to be held every two years, with annual midterm reviews to track progress and identify new opportunities for cooperation.

Progress on Previous Agreements

The session reviewed the implementation of earlier Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the first JPC, which covered:

Political and diplomatic consultations
Defence cooperation
Trade and investment promotion
Partnerships between the countries’ chambers of commerce

New Deals Signed

Uganda and Somalia signed three new MoUs aimed at expanding collaboration in key sectors:

The MoU on Education was signed between State Minister for Higher Education Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo and his Somali counterpart, Minister of Education Hon. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir – MOFA Photos

Immigration management
Education and sports
Security cooperation

Officials were also instructed to fast-track agreements in several other areas, including health, quality standards, customs, refugee management, finance and banking, statistics, and climate change and environmental protection.

The Ministerial session featured the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Security, Immigration, and Education at the 2nd JPC, Investment and Business summit at Mestil Hotel.
The MoU on Security was signed between’s Minister for Security Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi and his Somali counterpart, Minister of Internal Security Hon. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail.

The MoU on Immigration was signed between Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and his Somali counterpart, Hon. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail

Civil Aviation, Labour and Training Initiatives

The ministers agreed to strengthen civil aviation ties by directing their Aeronautical Authorities to urgently review the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

They also pledged to finalize a Bilateral Labour Agreement soon. Uganda further offered to train Somali diplomats, with a tailored curriculum shared during the session.

Boosting Trade and Investment

The Commission reviewed the Kampala Declaration on Trade, Investment and Tourism, first adopted at the Uganda–Somalia Investment and Business Summit.

They officially launched the Joint Permanent Investment and Business Council (JPIBC), a new platform designed to tackle non-tariff barriers and unlock trade, investment, and tourism opportunities in both countries.

Looking to the Future

The two countries agreed that the Third JPC Session and Investment Forum will take place in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 2027, underscoring their long-term commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic ties.

The meeting ended with both delegations expressing optimism that these renewed efforts will strengthen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits for citizens in both Uganda and Somalia.