President William Ruto of Kenya and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda held a significant meeting in Nairobi to discuss strengthening the relationship between their two countries. The meeting, held at State House in Nairobi, focused on removing trade barriers and enhancing cooperation in various sectors.
Ruto expressed optimism about the future of East African integration, comparing their journey to the biblical story of the Israelites, suggesting that although it has taken a long time, the goal is within reach. His remarks were met with applause, reflecting the positive atmosphere of the talks.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of a tripartite agreement concerning the importation and transit of refined petroleum products through Kenya to Uganda. This agreement involves the Kenyan government, the Ugandan government, and the Uganda National Oil Company Ltd (UNOC). Officials from both countries, including ministers, were present to witness the signing.
Ruto emphasized the deep-rooted relations between Kenya and Uganda, highlighting their shared history, culture, and aspirations for regional peace and prosperity. He stressed the importance of strong bilateral relations and the commitment to expanding them for mutual benefit.
The meeting followed the Second Session of the Joint Ministerial Committee in Kampala, where seven instruments of cooperation were signed between Uganda and Kenya. These agreements cover a range of areas including foreign service cooperation, public service development, youth affairs, sports, education, training, science, small and medium-sized enterprises, and gender equality.
Ruto explained the benefits of these agreements, such as enhancing service delivery, optimizing the capabilities of young people, and promoting sports development. He also mentioned the strategic cooperation in education and the empowerment of women.
Regarding trade, Ruto and Museveni agreed to ensure that trade between Uganda and Kenya is free from tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and arbitrary levies. They resolved issues concerning various products like rice, juice, furniture, eggs, chicken, and sugar. Additionally, they agreed to explore extending the oil pipeline from Eldoret to Kampala and to collaborate on environmental restoration efforts.
The presidents also discussed regional peace, security, and stability, agreeing on common positions regarding conflicts in eastern DR Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, and Somalia. They emphasized the importance of extending the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba and beyond to Kampala and DR Congo to improve the transportation of goods.
Ruto acknowledged Museveni’s dedication to building a strong East African Community and transitioning it into a federation of shared vision and values. He expressed gratitude for Uganda’s endorsement of the Kenyan candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional peace and security. They discussed concerns about terrorism and insecurity in the region and emphasized the need for coordinated approaches to address these challenges. They also expressed concern about the drawdown of ATMIS in Somalia, urging that it be aligned with the security conditions on the ground.
Ruto and Museveni addressed border issues affecting border communities and agreed to visit these regions to foster unity. Ruto assured Museveni of Kenya’s commitment to working with Uganda to further their bilateral agenda and mutual interests.
Museveni reflected on the historical missions that have guided their agreements, noting the missed opportunities since independence and the need for political integration to ensure prosperity and strategic security. He stressed the importance of creating a large, reliable market to support efficient production and growth.
