Kenya-Uganda ministerial commission strengthens bilateral ties
The Second Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) between the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Kenya took place at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, Uganda from May 12 to May 14, 2024.
Leading the delegation from the Republic of Kenya was Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr Musalia Mudavadi while the Republic of Uganda’s delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar.
Acknowledging the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the two Foreign Affairs Ministers highlighted the delayed convening of the 2nd session of JMC, which was originally scheduled for 2021.
They expressed gratitude for the efforts of officials from both countries in ensuring the meeting finally took place.
The Ministers emphasized the significance of the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting, closely followed by a State visit by President Yoweri Museveni to Nairobi, as a testament to the warm, cordial, and brotherly relations between Kenya and Uganda. They underscored the deep historical economic and socio-cultural ties between the two nations.
Deliberations during the session focused on assessing the implementation of previous decisions, addressing outstanding issues, and exploring new areas of cooperation under three broad sectors: Foreign Affairs and Security Sector; Economic Sector; and Socio-Cultural Sector.
Both Ministers hailed the historic and cordial relations between the two countries and stressed the importance of further deepening political, economic, and socio-cultural ties.
Mudavadi congratulated Uganda for successfully hosting the NAM Summit and G77 Summit and assuming the chairmanship of these organizations in January 2024.
The Ministers exchanged views on regional, continental, and global developments, emphasizing continued efforts and cooperation between the two countries in multilateral forums.
Identifying existing opportunities for socio-economic transformation, the Ministers committed to resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers to promote mutual growth, development, and prosperity. They directed technical officials to meet and consult regularly.
Mudavadi in addition expressed appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the Kenyan delegation by Gen. Abubakar and the Government and People of Uganda.
Both Ministers reiterated the need for a robust Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism to ensure the full implementation of decisions reached during previous and present sessions of JMC and other bilateral meetings.
They welcomed the proposal to hold a joint technical committee meeting to address any pending trade and investment issues.
Reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, the Ministers agreed that the Republic of Kenya would host the Third Session of the JMC in 2026, with the date and venue to be mutually agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
