ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE

Uganda strengthened its multilateral and bilateral engagement during the Senior Officials’ Meeting preparatory to the Second OIC Conference of Transport Ministers (OICCT), held in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, on 11 February 2026 under the theme, “Strengthening Transport Connectivity to Deepen Fraternity among OIC Member States.”

Hon. Fred Byamukama, Minister of State for Transport, led Uganda’s delegation, accompanied by H.E. Nusura Tiperu, Ambassador of Uganda to the Republic of Türkiye, and Mr. Joseph Kiwanuka Mukiibi, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Urban Roads at the Ministry of Works and Transport. Uganda’s participation reflected its sustained commitment to advancing strategic transport partnerships that underpin trade, mobility, and economic transformation.

Deliberations at the meeting, convened under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, focused on enhancing transport corridors, harmonising regulatory frameworks, and strengthening institutional cooperation among Member States. Uganda emphasised that resilient and integrated transport systems remained central to unlocking industrial growth, expanding market access, and deepening South–South cooperation.

The Ugandan delegation highlighted ongoing national investments in road, rail, air, and water transport infrastructure, positioning Uganda as a strategic gateway to East and Central Africa. These efforts, it was noted, aligned with broader continental and global development agendas aimed at promoting sustainable infrastructure and inclusive growth.

On the margins of the meeting, Hon. Byamukama held constructive discussions with Dr. Ahmed Sengendo, Deputy Secretary-General for Economic Affairs of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The engagement explored opportunities for enhanced technical cooperation, infrastructure financing and capacity building initiatives.

Uganda reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate closely with OIC institutions and Member States to translate policy dialogue into implementable projects that deliver measurable impact. Uganda’s active participation in Istanbul further consolidated its diplomatic outreach, strengthened its bilateral relations with the Republic of Türkiye and fellow OIC Member States, and underscored transport connectivity as a catalyst for fraternity, regional integration, and shared prosperity.