The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the ministerial session, part of the Second Session of the Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) and the Investment and Business Summit at Mestil Hotel, Kampala.
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, welcomed the Ministers and Senior Officials to the Second Session of the Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) and the Investment and Business Summit.
He highlighted that the second session of the JPC marks an important milestone in consolidating the gains achieved since the inaugural session held from 7 to 8 August 2022, also in Kampala, which laid a strong foundation for bilateral cooperation through the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreed Minutes, covering diplomatic consultations, defence, trade, and other priority sectors.
Minister Mulimba echoed that the convening of this Second Session demonstrates joint efforts between the two nations to review progress, accelerate the implementation of previous commitments, and identify new areas of mutual interest, particularly in trade, investment, education, labour, and security cooperation.
He noted that the meeting aligns with the Uganda–Somalia Investment and Business Forum, highlighting the private sector’s key role in driving growth, job creation, and expanding regional value chains.
“Through such platforms, our business communities can forge partnerships that transform abundant opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, logistics, and ICT into tangible trade and investment ventures,” said Hon. Mulimba.
He urged the swift finalization of pending MoUs on Education and Sports, Labour Mobility, and Immigration Management to strengthen social and economic ties, and called for renewed commitment to implementing agreed actions for the mutual benefit of Uganda and Somalia.
Minister Mulimba informed that Uganda continues to stand firmly with the people and Government of Somalia in their ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability. “As a troop-contributing country under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Uganda remains steadfast in its commitment to regional peace and security, guided by the enduring principles of Pan-Africanism, mutual solidarity, and shared destiny,” he said.
He congratulated Somalia upon its admission to the East African Community, highlighting that Uganda counts on Somalia’s active participation to accelerate the regional integration agenda, and to advance intra-EAC trade, as well as shared aspirations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and broader multilateral frameworks, including IGAD and the African Union.
He concluded by commending the technical teams from both sides for their dedication and thorough preparations leading to this meeting, expressing confidence that the deliberations will yield actionable outcomes that deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Representing Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Somalia’s Minister of Education, Hon. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, conveyed warm greetings from the President of Somalia to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the people of Uganda.
He acknowledged the historic and enduring ties between Somalia and Uganda, expressing deep appreciation to Uganda for its sacrifices through the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and for the leadership and commitment demonstrated in peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts.
The Minister highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the two nations, built on mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation. He reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships, revitalizing past commitments, and identifying new areas and mechanisms for collaboration.
He emphasized key sectors such as trade and investment, market access, and agriculture, and the need to encourage private sector linkages on both sides.
Hon. Abdisalam appreciated Uganda’s efforts in enhancing scholarship frameworks and promoting academic progress, noting that education remains a key pillar of sustainable development.
He further underscored the importance of deepening cooperation within IGAD, the East African Community (EAC), and the African Union (AU) frameworks, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
In closing, he expressed that the friendship between Uganda and Somalia is rooted in shared sacrifices and mutual respect. He extended appreciation for Uganda’s continued partnership and hospitality, and called upon both nations to seize emerging opportunities for shared prosperity and lasting peace.
The Ministerial Session of the JPC featured the signing of MoUson Security, Immigration, and Education.
• The MoU on Security was signed between Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi and his Somali counterpart, Minister of Internal Security Hon. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail.
• The MoU on Immigration was signed between Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and Hon. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail.
• The MoU on Education was signed between State Minister for Higher Education Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo and Minister of Education Hon. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir.
During the tour of business exhibitions, ministers and senior officials witnessed the flagging off of the first batch of Inspire Africa coffee to Somalia, marking a key step in strengthening bilateral trade relations.
The Somali Minister of Education expressed appreciation for Uganda’s continued cooperation, while Hon. John Mulimbanoted that Somalia’s entry into the EAC will enable both countries to benefit from the Common Market Agreement, including incentives for the free movement of goods.
The session also featured presentations from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) led by Mr. Stephen Asiimwe, the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) led by Mr. Peter Muramira, and Uganda Airlines, focusing on strengthening collaboration between the government and the private sector.
Additional presentations addressed import substitution and export promotion, including contributions from Inspire Africa Coffee CEO Mr. Nelson Tugume, Uganda Tea Association Chairperson Ms. Victoria Ashabahebwa, representatives of the Miraa/Khat sector, and a labour-focused session led by ISAB International Limited.
