Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The 5th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Uganda was held in Dar es Salaam and co-chaired by Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, and Hon. John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs).
Officials reaffirmed the strong historical ties between the two countries, built on the enduring principles of Pan-Africanism, mutual trust, solidarity, and cooperation at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. These longstanding relations continue to be strengthened through regular high-level engagements and sustained diplomatic representation in each other’s capitals. Both sides welcomed the cordial relations and emphasised the importance of further deepening political, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation for mutual prosperity. During the session, the parties reviewed the implementation of decisions arising from the 4th JPC, assessed key directives issued by their respective Heads of State, and deliberated on pending Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the East African Community Customs Union and Common Market Protocol as frameworks for advancing regional integration.
The Commission evaluated progress across several sectors of cooperation, including diplomatic and political consultations, defence and security, and immigration matters. It further assessed developments in infrastructure such as works, transport, and energy, alongside economic sectors covering trade, industry, livestock and fisheries, agriculture, water, environment, and tourism. Social and legal cooperation frameworks were equally reviewed. The Ministerial meeting was preceded by a technical session of senior officials chaired by Ambassador Dr. Samwel Shelukindo, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, and Mr. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides highlighted major infrastructure and energy projects as key pillars of the bilateral partnership. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), valued at USD 5 billion, was noted to be 79 percent complete, with technical teams tasked to finalise outstanding border demarcation issues to meet the July technical start-up and October 2026 export targets. The Ministers further underscored the importance of removing trade barriers and enhancing economic cooperation to unlock shared growth.Connectivity on Lake Victoria has also improved with the commissioning of MV New Mwanza, Africa’s largest freshwater vessel, which is expected to significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs across the lake basin.
The Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the development of the Isaka–Lusahunga–Murongo Standard Gauge Railway, aimed at linking the Port of Dar es Salaam with landlocked countries in East Africa. The project has also been incorporated into the African Development Bank’s 2026 NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility Priority Work Programme. Additional milestones highlighted included the 24-hour operationalization of the Mutukula One Stop Border Post, harmonization of road user charges, and the commissioning of the 14-megawatt Kikagati–Murongo Hydropower Project. The Commission reaffirmed the importance of implementing agreed decisions and MoUs, alongside strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure tangible outcomes from bilateral cooperation.
Both parties agreed that Uganda will host the 6th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission in 2028, at a date and venue to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels. The Government of Uganda expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Tanzania for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements. The Ministers concluded by commending the renewed momentum in bilateral relations and expressing satisfaction with the outcomes of the 5th JPC.
Photo Credit: Fahad Mugga
