Kalemie, DRC – The Uganda Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo actively participated in the 11th Edition of ExpoBeton 2026, a premier regional forum on construction, infrastructure development, development corridors, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), held in Kalemie, Tanganyika Province. Bringing together policymakers, investors, development partners, diplomats, and private sector stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, ExpoBeton serves as an important platform for advancing regional integration, promoting strategic investments, and exploring innovative solutions to infrastructure and economic development challenges.
As part of the plenary sessions, the Uganda Embassy participated in a high-level panel discussion under the theme “Security, Investment and Sustainable Development for Regional Stability.” The session was moderated by the President of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rt. Hon. Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, and featured representatives from the Embassies of Uganda, France, and Ethiopia.
On the sidelines of the Expo, the President of the Senate of the DRC, together with other senior government officials, visited the Uganda Exhibition Stand, where they held productive engagements with Embassy representatives. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, promoting tourism, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and exploring new avenues for economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
During the discussions, Mr. Nasanairi Kamudooli, Counselor at the embassy highlighted the strong and growing bilateral cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the outcomes of the recently concluded 9th Session of the Uganda–DRC Joint Permanent Commission (JPC). Mr. Kamudooli, emphasised the significant progress achieved in infrastructure development, cross-border connectivity, trade facilitation, energy cooperation, and regional peace and security initiatives. Particular attention was drawn to ongoing strategic projects, including road infrastructure linking the two countries, the operationalization of the Mpondwe One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing regional trade and the movement of people and goods.
Mr. Kamudooli reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting regional peace and security through frameworks under the auspices of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the African Union (AU), and other regional mechanisms. The Embassy further underscored the importance of security as a prerequisite for sustainable development, noting that continued cooperation between Uganda and the DRC remains critical in addressing cross-border security challenges that have historically hindered economic growth and investment in the region. The participation of Uganda at ExpoBeton 2026 further reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional cooperation, sustainable infrastructure development, and the strengthening of strategic partnerships that contribute to prosperity and stability across the Great Lakes Region.
Uganda Embassy staff in DRC showcase Uganda’s finished products at its stall
Photo Credit: Uganda Embassy, Kinshasa
