Uganda, Rwanda renew push for deeper ties as 12th joint commission opens

_________________

Uganda and Rwanda have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with officials from both countries emphasising cooperation, innovation and tangible outcomes as the 12th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) formally opened in Kampala.

The three-day session, running from April 20 to 22, 2026, at Mestil Hotel, brings together technical experts, senior officials and ministers to review progress since the last meeting held in Kigali in March 2023 and to chart a new course for collaboration across key sectors.

(L-R) Amb. Maj. Gen. (Rtd). Robert Rusoke - High Commissioner, Uganda High Commission Kigali, Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda, Ms Teta Gisa, Director General, Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda and ACP Ismael Baguma, Police Liaison Officer, Rwanda High Commission, Kampala, share a group photograph. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Opening the senior officials’ session, Rwanda’s director general for Africa, Teta Gisa, underscored the importance of the JPC as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, noting that it reflects the strong political will and high expectations of the two countries' respective leaderships to further strengthen political and economic cooperation between our two countries.

Ms Teta Gisa, Director General, Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda, makes her remarks at the opening of the 12th session of the Uganda-Rwanda joint permanent commission. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

She commended Uganda for its hospitality and preparation of the meeting, highlighting the spirit of cooperation that she said would ensure a productive session.

Gisa stressed that the discussions would go beyond routine reviews to focus on actionable outcomes that directly benefit citizens.

“Our cooperation must continue to translate into improved livelihoods, enhanced regional integration, and sustained socio-economic transformation for both Rwanda and Uganda,” she said, urging delegates to engage in open, constructive and solution-oriented dialogue.

Expectations of the JPC

The JPC is expected to review the implementation of previous resolutions across clusters, including political and diplomatic affairs, defence and security, trade and customs, immigration, infrastructure, energy, and information and communication technology.

Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda, makes his remarks at the opening of the 12th session of the Uganda-Rwanda joint permanent on April 20, 2026 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

On the Ugandan side, Ambassador Richard T. Kabonero welcomed the Rwandan delegation and reflected on the enduring ties between the two countries, rooted in shared history, geography and culture.

“The JPC, which is the framework of our cooperation, was last held three years ago in Kigali. However, it is a testament to our desire to strengthen our cooperation that even without the JPC, our two countries have continued to enhance cooperation in various areas,” he said.

Kabonero pointed to ongoing collaboration in defence, energy, infrastructure, local government and regional integration as evidence of resilience in bilateral relations, even during periods without formal engagement under the commission.

He also called for a forward-looking approach, urging both sides to confront emerging global challenges collectively.

These, he noted, include problems without passports: pandemics, zoonotic diseases, climate change, human and wildlife trafficking, as well as cybercrimes.

Cooperation opportunities

At the same time, Ambassador Kabonero highlighted opportunities in science, innovation, technology and aviation as key areas for expanded cooperation.

“Let’s dedicate this 12th Session to finding innovative ways of enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our people,” Kabonero said.

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

Delegates during the opening of the 12th session of the Uganda-Rwanda joint permanent commission at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

The programme outlines a structured engagement beginning with technical officials reviewing progress and drafting a joint matrix of outcomes, followed by senior officials considering and adopting reports, and culminating in a ministerial session where agreements, memoranda of understanding and a joint communiqué will be signed.

The final day will also feature a joint press briefing by the ministers of foreign affairs, expected to outline key resolutions and the future direction of Uganda–Rwanda relations.

Both sides expressed optimism that the 12th JPC will not only consolidate gains made since the last session but also open new avenues of cooperation aligned with regional integration efforts, particularly under frameworks such as the Northern Corridor Integration Projects.