Kampala, Uganda — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday hosted the Ministerial Session of the Second Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) and the Investment and Business Summit at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, marking a renewed commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, welcomed Ministers and senior officials to the session, describing it as a milestone in consolidating gains made since the inaugural JPC in 2022.

He emphasized that the Second Session was convened to review progress, accelerate implementation of past commitments, and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, education, labour, and security.

“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.

Mulimba urged the swift finalization of pending MoUs on Education and Sports, Labour Mobility, and Immigration Management to bolster social and economic ties. He reaffirmed Uganda’s steadfast support for Somalia’s peace and stability efforts, noting that as a troop-contributing country under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Uganda remains committed to regional security and Pan-African solidarity.

He congratulated Somalia upon its admission to the East African Community (EAC), expressing optimism that its participation will enhance regional integration and intra-EAC trade.

Representing Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, Minister of Education, conveyed greetings from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the people of Uganda.

He hailed the historic and enduring ties between Uganda and Somalia, expressing deep appreciation for Uganda’s contribution through the UPDF in peacekeeping and counterterrorism operations. He further emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and private sector partnerships, noting that education remains a pillar of sustainable development.

The Ministerial Session witnessed the signing of three key MoUs:

• Security: Signed between Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi (Uganda) and Hon. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Somalia).

• Immigration: Signed between Hon. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire (Uganda) and Hon. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Somalia).

• Education: Signed between Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo (Uganda) and Hon. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir (Somalia).

The session also featured a business exhibition where Ministers flagged off the first batch of Inspire Africa coffee exports to Somalia, symbolizing growing trade relations.

Private sector stakeholders, including the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), and Uganda Airlines, delivered presentations on strengthening government-private sector collaboration. Additional sessions focused on import substitution and export promotion, featuring speakers from the Uganda Tea Association, Inspire Africa Coffee, the Miraa/Khat sector, and ISAB International Limited on labour mobility.

Hon. Mulimba expressed optimism that the outcomes of the session will translate into tangible benefits for both countries, fostering economic growth, regional stability, and shared prosperity.