Uganda has pledged its commitment to deepening cooperation with Tanzania, with officials emphasizing the need to accelerate the implementation of agreed bilateral projects and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.

The discussions took place during the 5th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between Uganda and Tanzania currently underway in Dar es Salaam, where officials from both countries are reviewing progress made since the previous meeting in 2022.

Heading the Ugandan technical delegation, Ambassador Richard Kabonero expressed optimism that significant progress could be achieved if both sides demonstrate strong political will in implementing agreed decisions. He reminded officials that the core purpose of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) is to address and remove obstacles hindering cooperation between Uganda and Tanzania.

Ambassador Kabonero urged the experts to prioritize the elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs), noting that removing such trade impediments would play a critical role in boosting cross-border commerce and strengthening economic integration between the two neighbouring countries.

Uganda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Fred Mwesigye, underscored the importance of resolving outstanding challenges and ensuring that both countries translate diplomatic commitments into tangible outcomes.

“Our leaders have entrusted us with the responsibility to address these issues. When they meet again, we should be ready to report that we have resolved the existing challenges and established new areas of cooperation,” Ambassador Mwesigye said.

He emphasized that the Joint Permanent Commission provides an important platform for strengthening the longstanding ties between Uganda and Tanzania, particularly in key sectors such as trade, infrastructure development, defence and security, and regional integration.

The Ugandan envoy also commended Tanzania for its continued leadership within the East African Community, noting that the appointment of Tanzanian diplomat Patrick Mbundi as Secretary General of the regional bloc provides renewed momentum for regional cooperation.

On the Tanzanian side, Ambassador Ali Bujiku, Director of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, highlighted the strategic importance of advancing existing cooperation frameworks between the two neighbouring countries.

Bujiku noted that the meeting offers experts an opportunity to review decisions reached during the previous JPC session in 2022, assess challenges faced during implementation, and propose practical solutions to further strengthen bilateral relations.

“Our discussions reflect the broad and strategic scope of cooperation between our two countries,” Bujiku said, adding that officials will deliberate on areas including diplomacy, defence and security, immigration, agriculture, health, education, culture, and trade.

Infrastructure connectivity also featured prominently in the discussions, with officials highlighting the importance of improving transport and communication links to facilitate trade and economic integration.

Among the strategic regional projects discussed is the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, a major energy project expected to boost regional energy exports and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Officials attending the session are expected to identify new areas of cooperation and accelerate the implementation of key bilateral initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and improving the livelihoods of citizens in both Uganda and Tanzania.

The Joint Permanent Commission remains one of the key diplomatic mechanisms guiding bilateral engagement between the two East African neighbours, reflecting their shared commitment to regional stability, economic integration, and sustainable development.