Kampala, Uganda – The bilateral relations between the Republic of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continue to gain momentum following high-level engagements between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo aimed at advancing regional peace, economic integration, and shared prosperity. Earlier this week, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo received Uganda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, Hon. John Mulimba, at the African Union Headquarters. The Ugandan envoy delivered an official message from President Museveni, including an invitation to Uganda’s presidential investiture ceremony, while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through new protocols and agreements.
Subsequently, at the invitation of President Museveni, President Tshisekedi travelled to Uganda to attend the investiture ceremony held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. On the sidelines of the visit, the two Heads of State held cordial and productive discussions focused on defence and security, economic integration, infrastructure development, and cross-border cooperation. The Presidents commended the continued success of joint military operations, particularly Operation Shujaa, in neutralizing negative forces and restoring peace and stability in Eastern DRC. They reiterated their commitment to sustained cooperation under regional peace mechanisms, including the African Union-led peace process, while recognizing their respective roles within the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
On economic cooperation, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress registered on strategic infrastructure projects, notably the Kasindi–Beni–Butembo road axis, which remains central to enhancing connectivity, trade facilitation, and regional integration between the two neighbouring states. To further deepen integration within the East African Community framework, the Heads of State directed the removal of Non-Tariff Barriers and the streamlining of customs procedures at the Mpondwe and Goli border posts. They also committed to accelerating discussions on reciprocal visa waivers to ease the movement of citizens and promote people-to-people relations and business cooperation.
The DRC Government welcomed Uganda’s earlier decision to grant visa waivers to Congolese nationals and committed to fast-track reciprocal arrangements for Ugandan nationals by 31 August 2026. The discussions also covered the sustainable management of transboundary natural resources within the Albertine Graben, including Lakes Albert and Edward. Both countries explored opportunities for joint ventures in energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture, and cross-border electrification projects aimed at driving industrialization, food security, and value addition.
The visit culminated in the witnessing of the outcomes of the 9th Session of the Uganda–DRC Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), during which six Memoranda of Understanding and cooperation agreements were signed in the sectors of Trade, ICT, Tourism, Transport and Search & Rescue, Public Administration, and export promotion cooperation between the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority and Agence Nationale de Promotion des Exportations.
The renewed partnership underscores the shared commitment of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthening economic integration, promoting peace and stability, and building a framework of mutual prosperity founded on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
