Kampala, Uganda – The Government of Uganda successfully concluded the Second Session of the Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) and the Investment and Business Summit, held from 7 to 8 October 2025 at Mestil Hotel, under the theme “Promoting Uganda–Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade and Tourism, and Harnessing Opportunities in Both Countries.”
Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, noted that the second session marked a major milestone in consolidating gains made since the inaugural meeting held in August 2022. That first JPC laid the foundation for bilateral cooperation through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering diplomacy, defence, and trade. He emphasised that the current session aimed to review progress, accelerate the implementation of past commitments, and identify new areas of cooperation in trade, investment, education, labor, and security. He highlighted that such forums enable business communities to forge partnerships that transform opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, logistics, and ICT into tangible ventures.
The Minister reaffirmed Uganda’s continued solidarity with Somalia in promoting peace and stability, noting that Uganda, as a troop-contributing country under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), remained guided by principles of Pan-Africanism and mutual destiny. He also congratulated Somalia on its membership in the East African Community (EAC), stating that this would enhance regional integration and trade within frameworks such as the AfCFTA and IGAD.
Representing Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, Minister of Education, conveyed warm greetings from the President of Somalia to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the people of Uganda. He commended Uganda’s contribution through the UPDF in restoring peace in Somalia and praised the long-standing friendship between the two countries, grounded in mutual respect and shared sacrifice. Minister Abdulkadir reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and encouraged collaboration in key sectors such as trade, agriculture, and education. He acknowledged Uganda’s support in scholarship and capacity-building programs, emphasizing that education remained central to sustainable development and regional stability.
Mr. Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed delegates to the JPC and reaffirmed the shared philosophy of Ubuntu, “we are because you are,” which has long guided Uganda’s foreign policy. He recalled that the inaugural JPC produced four MoUs and emphasised the importance of monitoring their implementation to ensure tangible outcomes. He announced that new MoUs in immigration, education, sports, and labour mobility were being finalised to expand cooperation and people-to-people ties. Mr. Bagiire also commended the parallel Investment and Business Summit for creating avenues for the private sector to build partnerships, promote trade, and exhibit products from both nations.
Mr. Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed deep gratitude for Uganda’s hospitality and solidarity. He conveyed warm greetings from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to President Museveni and congratulated Uganda on its 63rd Independence Anniversary. He reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two nations and thanked Uganda for its decisive role in Somalia’s peace efforts since 2007 under AMISOM, ATMIS, and AUSSOM. Paying tribute to Ugandan soldiers who served in Somalia, he said their courage symbolised African unity. He urged both sides to turn commitments into measurable outcomes and to expand cooperation beyond security to trade, education, and cultural exchange.
The session concluded with the signing of new MoUs on Security, Immigration, and Education, witnessed by ministers from both governments. Delegates also attended business exhibitions showcasing Ugandan products, including the flagging off of the first batch of Inspire Africa Coffee exports to Somalia, a key milestone in strengthening bilateral trade.
The successful conclusion of the Uganda–Somalia JPC reaffirmed the two nations’ shared vision of peace, prosperity, and regional integration.
