Senior government officials from Rwanda and Uganda have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties during the 2026 Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) meeting held in Kampala.
The three-day meeting brings together both countries to review and expand cooperation in key sectors, including defence and security, infrastructure development, immigration management, policing, education, and other strategic areas.
The Rwandan delegation is led by Teta Gisa Rwigema, Director General for Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, while Uganda is represented by Ambassador Richard Kabonero.
Opening the meeting, Amb. Kabonero emphasized the importance of facilitating cross-border trade and enhancing cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and tourism as drivers of investment and economic growth.
Both sides also committed to addressing remaining barriers to trade and improving regional commercial integration.
The discussions include a review of progress in implementing agreements reached during the 11th JPC session held in Kigali in 2023.
Teta Gisa Rwigema described the Joint Permanent Commission as a key platform reflecting the political will of both governments to strengthen political and economic cooperation.
She called on participants to critically assess progress since the last session, with focus on trade and customs, security and defence, immigration, justice, infrastructure, energy, aviation, and ICT development, particularly within Northern Corridor integration projects.
She further stressed that the meeting should deliver practical and actionable outcomes that respond to the needs and expectations of citizens in both countries.
Rwigema noted that sustained cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda should translate into improved livelihoods, deeper regional integration, and long-term socio-economic development.
