NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and Uganda on Wednesday signed eight additional bilateral memoranda of understanding (MoUs), expanding upon 17 existing agreements. These new accords aim to strengthen legal and institutional cooperation across a range of strategic sectors.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by visiting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto, in Nairobi.
President Ruto informed journalists that a specific agreement on partnership between the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) was signed to enhance the scientific and technical exchange of ideas between the two nations.
“We reaffirmed our united stance on closer collaboration in key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, energy, security, and regional integration,” said Ruto.
He further emphasized the practical outcomes expected from these agreements, stating, “These agreements signify our joint resolve to turn our cooperation into practical results that will directly uplift the lives of both our peoples.”
For his part, President Museveni highlighted that modern economies are fundamentally driven by the production of goods and services. He encouraged young people to focus on harnessing Africa’s immense market potential.
Both President Ruto and President Museveni pledged renewed efforts to strengthen regional institutions and advance the core objectives of the East African Community (EAC), including progress towards a customs union, a common market, a monetary union, and ultimately, a political federation.
The two leaders engaged in constructive discussions regarding regional peace and stability, reaffirming their shared conviction that security is indispensable for sustainable development. They also commended ongoing regional peace-building initiatives.
“We further agreed to collaborate closely in conflict resolution efforts, advocating inclusive approaches, supported by both regional and international frameworks,” President Ruto stated.
The meeting took place just one day after Tanzania imposed a ban on certain Kenyan businesses operating within its borders.
Both leaders also voiced concerns over persistent non-tariff barriers that continue to impede the free flow of goods and hinder the full realization of regional integration objectives under the EAC framework.
