Just a day after Tanzania imposed restrictions on Kenyan businesses operating within its territory, President William Ruto hosted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at State House in Nairobi,
where the two leaders signed a series of important bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between Kenya and Uganda.
During President Museveni’s official state visit, the two countries entered into eight new agreements, increasing the total number of bilateral trade and cooperation deals between Kenya and Uganda to 25.
These agreements are expected to boost collaboration across several critical sectors, including trade, transport, energy, tourism, and agriculture.
One of the standout deals signed was a partnership between the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UNBS).
This agreement will enhance the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge, improve the accuracy of data sharing between the two countries, and help combat illicit trade through better tracking and verification systems.
The two presidents also took a step toward resolving the long-standing dispute over Migingo Island, a contentious territory in Lake Victoria that has seen repeated tensions between Kenyan and Ugandan fishermen.
The issue will now be handled under a newly signed Fisheries and Aquaculture agreement, which outlines a framework for joint consultation and peaceful cooperation in managing resources in shared waters.
In the area of transport and infrastructure, both nations agreed to collaborate more closely to enhance logistics and improve key transport corridors that support regional trade.
President Ruto briefed Museveni on the progress of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba Highway dualling project, which, once completed, will significantly boost the movement of people and goods between Kenya, Uganda, and the wider Great Lakes region.
Another highlight of the visit was the signing of the Busia Metro Project (2025–2028), a major cross-border development initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth in border communities.
The project will strengthen integration by upgrading the One Stop Border Post in Busia and improving transport links to the Port of Mombasa, which serves as a vital trade gateway for Uganda and other landlocked neighbors.
Additional agreements focused on boosting cooperation in tourism, property rights to aid local governments, mineral resources, agriculture, and the advancement of animal health and technology. These sectors are expected to benefit significantly from joint research, investment, and policy coordination.
President Ruto also revealed the creation of a special committee to foster deeper cultural ties and promote tourism among Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
He announced the appointment of a cultural envoy to represent the Atekeri people—a group that includes the Teso of both Kenya and Uganda, the Turkana, the Karamojong, and other related communities across the three countries.
“I have named a special envoy for the Atekeri people, whose cultural heritage spans across Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. This initiative will help us unlock the full tourism and cultural potential of the region and bring communities closer together,” Ruto stated during the signing ceremony.
On his part, President Museveni underscored the importance of economic production and entrepreneurship in building strong African economies.
He called on the youth across the region to seize opportunities within the continent’s massive market by focusing on the production of goods and services rather than relying on imports or foreign aid.
This high-level meeting between Ruto and Museveni not only showcased Kenya and Uganda’s growing bilateral ties but also sent a strong message of regional unity at a time when diplomatic tensions are rising due to Tanzania’s restrictions on Kenyan traders and workers.
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