Geza Ulole
Platinum Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 72,855
- 103,716
- Thread starter
- #20,921
Tanzania, Uganda sign pact to boost SGR, trade
Ahmada YahayaMarch 14, 2026
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Uganda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering several areas of cooperation, including the development of the Isaka–Lusahunga–Murongo/ Kikagati–Mpondwe Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and boosting trade between the two countries.
The two nations also agreed to strengthen collaboration in trade, cross-border commerce, taxation and improving the overall business environment.
In addition, they resolved a key issue surrounding the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, agreeing that the pipeline should proceed without delay following discussions on landrelated concerns.
The agreements were reached yesterday during the closing of the 5th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between Tanzania and Uganda, held in Dar es Salaam.
The session, officiated by the ministers for Foreign Affairs from both countries, brought together senior officials to review progress on bilateral agreements and strengthen cooperation in key sectors.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said the two countries had agreed to deepen cooperation in political and diplomatic consultations, as well as in defence, security, infrastructure development, energy, trade, industry, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and health.
“During this session, we renewed our commitment and agreed on our shared future to strengthen cooperation. We have also signed agreements and thoroughly reviewed our past areas of collaboration while seeking solutions to the challenges we have faced,” he said.
Ambassador Kombo said both sides had agreed to enhance cooperation in energy production and infrastructure development, which are critical for boosting economic growth and facilitating trade and investment.
“In the energy sector, particularly electricity, we emphasised the importance of strengthening our cooperation to ensure an adequate power supply for industries and citizens,” he said.
He said the agreements demonstrate the strong commitment of both countries to deepening regional cooperation for the benefit of their citizens and the wider East African Community (EAC). Amb Kombo called on officials from both nations to ensure timely implementation of the decisions reached during the meeting.
“Our cooperation should not only focus on agreeing on programmes and projects but also on ensuring their effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation,” he said.
Uganda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, said the session also addressed a major issue that had previously remained unresolved, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, which runs from Hoima in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania.
He explained that concerns had arisen regarding land matters, including proposals for a joint certificate of interest.
However, after deliberations, the two sides agreed that the EACOP project should proceed without delay.
The two countries also agreed that the issue of border reaffirmation would be handled separately from the development of the EACOP project and addressed at a later stage.
Both countries further agreed to move forward with issuing the required land titles to facilitate implementation of the project. Mr Mulimba said the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing key protocols under the East African Community, including the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocol.
“Most importantly, we have reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening our bilateral relations. We have also agreed to fully implement the key protocols of the Customs Union and the Common Market. While there are still a few outstanding issues, both sides are committed to addressing them constructively,” he said.
He added: “We are working closely with our Presidents to remove remaining technical, humanitarian and trade barriers in order to facilitate smoother trade and cooperation between the people of Uganda and Tanzania.”
Tanzania, Uganda sign pact to boost SGR, trade - Daily News
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Uganda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering several areas of cooperation, including the development of the Isaka–Lusahunga–Murongo/ Kikagati–Mpondwe Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and boosting trade between...
MY TAKE
Kimya kimya kama EACOP!
