Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Monday hosted Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Joash Maangi, at State House Entebbe.
The two leaders held in-depth discussions on improving services at border points, fostering peaceful coexistence between citizens of both nations, and jointly implementing regional transformation programmes, especially around historically sensitive areas like Migingo Island.
Migingo Island, a tiny but strategic rock in Lake Victoria, has long been a source of tension between Uganda and Kenya due to its rich fishing grounds and competing claims.
However, the latest high-level engagement indicate a renewed commitment to resolving such matters amicably through cooperation and mutual understanding.
“Kenya continues to enjoy a very cordial relationship with Uganda, as demonstrated by the increased trade and collaboration between our two countries,” Commissioner Maangi said in a statement after the meeting.
He noted that both leaders pledged their dedication to ensuring that Migingo and other cross-border communities like those in Sebei, Karamojong, Turkana, and Pokot regions benefit from peace, stability, and shared development.
The two countries agreed to streamline operations at their One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) to facilitate trade and ease the movement of people and goods.
These improved services are expected to further boost regional integration under the East African Community framework.
High Commissioner Maangi was accompanied by Kenya’s Defence Advisor, Colonel Nkaduda, and Second Secretary, Ms. Phoebe Lesuuda, underlining the strategic importance Kenya places on its ties with Uganda.
President Museveni, a long-time proponent of Pan-African cooperation, emphasized the need to focus on transformation agendas that unite rather than divide communities along artificial colonial borders.
The meeting comes at a time when both Uganda and Kenya are engaging more deeply in regional peace and security efforts, and echoes their mutual desire to turn shared challenges into opportunities for growth.
