Uganda and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and accelerate economic cooperation, marking a new chapter in trade, investment, and regional integration.
This follows the successful conclusion of the Second Session of the Uganda Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) and the Investment and Business Forum held from 7th – 8th October 2025, at Mestil Hotel, Kampala.
The Ugandan delegation was led by Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, while H.E. Farahsheikh Abdulkadir, Somalia’s Minister of Education, headed the Somali delegation.
In their joint remarks, the two ministers expressed optimism about the growing economic partnership between Kampala and Mogadishu, emphasizing that the next phase of cooperation would focus on business-led growth and mutual prosperity.
Hon. Mulimba hailed the engagement as a turning point in bilateral relations, emphasizing that both countries have entered a new era of business-driven partnership.
“We have entered a new era of partnership driven by business-led growth,” Hon. Mulimba stated. “The Kampala agreement lays out a clear roadmap to eliminate trade barriers, strengthen private sector collaboration, and position Uganda and Somalia as strategic economic allies on the African continent.”
During the session, the two countries signed three new Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) covering Immigration Management, Education and Sports, and Security Cooperation.
These build on the five MoUs signed during the first JPC session, which addressed diplomatic consultations, defense cooperation, trade, and investment promotion.
A major highlight of the meeting was the launch of the Joint Permanent Investment and Business Council (JPIBC), a new platform designed to address non-tariff barriers, enhance private sector engagement, and facilitate business-to-business exchanges between the two nations.
The ministers directed senior officials to finalize additional agreements in key areas such as health, customs, finance, statistics, and climate change, aimed at diversifying bilateral cooperation and advancing sustainable development.
In aviation, both countries’ aeronautical authorities were tasked with reviewing the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to improve air connectivity.
Discussions on a Bilateral Labour Agreement will also be fast-tracked to ease labor mobility and protect workers’ rights.
H.E. Abdulkadir praised Uganda’s steadfast role in supporting Somalia’s recovery and economic transformation, describing the Kampala agreement as a blueprint for future collaboration.
“Somalia deeply treasures Uganda’s support as we rebuild and transform our nation,” Abdulkadir said. “Together, we are paving the way for empowered entrepreneurs, more jobs for young people, and exciting new investment opportunities.”
Hon. Mulimba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to deepening regional cooperation through trade and investment.
“We believe prosperity comes through partnerships,” he said. “Uganda and Somalia are not just trading nations; we are strategic partners building a shared future of stability and progress.”
The meeting concluded with the signing of the Kampala agreement on Trade, Investment, and Tourism, hailed by both sides as a major milestone in Uganda–Somalia relations.
The signing of the agreement marks a significant step forward in Uganda–Somalia relations, setting the stage for closer economic cooperation, stronger trade ties, and shared growth that will benefit both nations.
