Kampala, Uganda – Uganda and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and delivering tangible benefits for their citizens following the successful conclusion of the 12th Session of the Uganda–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in Kampala. The high-level ministerial meeting brought together delegations from both countries and culminated in the signing of key agreements and a renewed push for practical, results-driven cooperation across multiple sectors.

Rwanda’s Minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, described the discussions as “focused and solution-oriented,” commending the technical teams whose groundwork enabled meaningful progress. She emphasized that the JPC remains a vital platform for structured engagement, allowing both countries to review achievements, address outstanding issues, and chart a forward-looking agenda.

Among the major outcomes of the session was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering critical sectors such as health, agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries, education, and local government. The two sides also signed the Agreed Minutes and Joint Communiqué, reinforcing their shared commitment to accountability and implementation. “As we move forward, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the decisions taken here are translated into concrete and timely actions that benefit our citizens,” Dr. Kaitesi said, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and good neighborliness.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Regional Cooperation, Hon. John Mulimba, echoed similar sentiments, describing the session as productive and efficient, with all agenda items concluded without outstanding issues. He credited the professionalism of technical teams for enabling swift consensus at the ministerial level. Hon. Mulimba highlighted progress across key areas including trade, border security, agriculture, energy, education, and health. He also welcomed the adoption of clear implementation timelines and proposed the introduction of a monitoring “scorecard” system to track commitments. Additionally, he suggested more frequent engagements, including the possibility of annual JPC meetings, to sustain momentum. Reaffirming Uganda’s stance, Mulimba stressed that relations between the two countries are “not a matter of convenience, but of destiny,” urging both sides to prioritize implementation and deliver meaningful results.

The session built on strong opening remarks from both ministers, who underscored the historical ties between Uganda and Rwanda and the importance of continued high-level political engagement between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President Paul Kagame. Both sides noted that cooperation already spans a wide range of areas, including trade, security, migration, infrastructure, and ICT, with growing interest in expanding into tourism, investment, and innovation. Discussions during the session also focused on facilitating cross-border movement, strengthening regional integration, and addressing shared challenges through coordinated approaches. Delegates emphasized the need to align outcomes with national priorities while responding to the expectations of citizens in both countries.

The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both ministers expressing confidence that the outcomes of the 12th JPC would strengthen mutual trust and accelerate cooperation. The next session is expected to be hosted in Rwanda. As implementation begins, attention now shifts to translating the agreed commitments into real impact improving services, strengthening institutions, and expanding opportunities for communities across both nations.