Kenya and Uganda Deepen Ties with Eight New Agreements

Nairobi, Kenya – July 30, 2025
Kenya and Uganda have taken a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral relationship by signing eight new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s official visit to Nairobi. The agreements, signed at State House Nairobi in the presence of Kenyan President William Ruto and President Museveni, build on 17 existing deals and aim to enhance cooperation across key sectors, fostering economic growth and regional integration.

A New Chapter in Bilateral Cooperation

The newly signed MoUs cover critical areas including trade, transport, tourism, mining, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, standards and quality assurance, and investment promotion. President Ruto emphasized that these agreements will deepen people-to-people ties and deliver tangible benefits for citizens of both nations. “We are united in our commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and delivering shared prosperity while working together towards a stronger and integrated region,” Ruto stated.

The agreements come at a pivotal time as both countries seek to address longstanding challenges, such as non-tariff barriers and logistical inefficiencies, while capitalizing on shared opportunities to drive economic development. With these new deals, the total number of trade and cooperation agreements between Kenya and Uganda now stands at 25.

Key Highlights of the Agreements

1. Trade and Standards

A significant partnership between the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UNBS) aims to enhance scientific and technical exchanges while promoting legitimate trade and curbing illicit activities. This collaboration seeks to eliminate sub-standard goods and streamline trade processes, ensuring smoother cross-border commerce.

2. Transport and Infrastructure

The MoUs include commitments to modernize transport systems, with a focus on improving logistics along shared corridors. President Ruto briefed his counterpart on the ongoing Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba Highway dualling project and the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba and into Uganda. These initiatives are expected to ease the movement of goods and people, strengthening connectivity to Kenya’s Port of Mombasa and boosting trade in the Great Lakes region.

Additionally, both nations agreed to accelerate the Busia Metro Project (2025–2028), a cross-border investment program designed to spur economic growth and enhance the One Stop Border Post at Busia.

3. Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries

The agreements on agriculture and livestock will deepen cooperation in veterinary services and crop health, supporting food security in the region. The fisheries MoU aims to unlock the potential of the blue economy, with both countries eyeing sustainable development of their shared aquatic resources.

4. Industrial Collaboration

A landmark agreement involves the establishment of the region’s largest steel factory, a joint project aimed at reducing reliance on steel imports and boosting export capabilities. This initiative is expected to create jobs and stimulate industrial growth in both nations.

5. Tourism and Cultural Exchange

To promote tourism and cultural ties, President Ruto announced the formation of a special committee and the appointment of a cultural envoy for the Atekeri people, spanning communities such as the Teso, Karamojong, and Turkana across Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. This initiative aims to leverage culture and tradition to boost tourism in the region.

6. Addressing Regional Challenges

The leaders also addressed the longstanding dispute over Migingo Island, a contentious issue that has sparked tensions between Kenyan and Ugandan communities. Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to resolving this matter peacefully, alongside other cross-border challenges.

Regional Integration and Economic Prosperity

President Museveni called for stronger market consolidation across East Africa and the continent, drawing parallels with the economic success of large markets like the United States. He emphasized the need to eliminate non-tariff barriers that hinder trade and undermine regional integration under the East African Community (EAC). Upcoming meetings, including the Joint Ministerial Commission Mid-Term Review and the Joint Trade Committee in October 2025, will focus on resolving these barriers to ensure smoother trade flows.

The agreements align with the broader objectives of the EAC, including the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and the ultimate goal of a Political Federation. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening regional institutions to achieve these ambitions.

A Step Toward Shared Prosperity

The signing of these eight MoUs marks a new chapter in Kenya-Uganda relations, with a clear focus on economic development, infrastructure, and regional cooperation. As both nations work to implement these agreements, citizens can expect improved trade, enhanced connectivity, and stronger cultural ties.

For more updates on Kenya-Uganda relations and other regional developments, stay tuned to street.co.ke.