Gen. Odongo commends Uganda-Kenya brotherly relations

The foreign affairs minister, Gen. Jeje Odongo, has applauded the warmer relations between Uganda and Kenya and their joint journey of progress over the last six decades.

Presiding over as the chief guest at the 61st Independence of Kenya (Jamhuri Day) dinner hosted by the Kenyan High Commission at Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday, Odongo celebrated the spirit of unity, courage, hope, and determination exhibited by the people of Kenya in their crowning six-decade journey.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Uganda and on my own behalf, I wish to take this opportunity to extend our warmest and brotherly congratulations to the government and the people of the Republic of Kenya on this occasion,” Odongo said.

The event, among others, attracted diplomatic guests, security, and business community representatives.

Odongo, who called for a toast to the good health of the President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto, celebrated it as a moment of victory and triumph of Kenya over the foes of colonial repression and a true reward for the sacrifices made.

“On this note, I wish to pay tribute and recognize and remember the sacrifices made by known Kenyans who contributed to the rise of Kenya to a sovereign state. I wish to associate with names such as Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Dedan Kimathi, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and Tom Mboya, among others. Though departed, they will always be remembered to adorn the walls of history for their gallant and heroic roles in the making of the great nation of Kenya,” Odongo said.

This year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, presided over by President Ruto at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, coincided with the country marking six decades since the start of its diplomatic journey a year after independence.

Kenya became an independent country on December 12, 1963, six months and eleven days after gaining internal self-rule on June 1, 1963 (Madaraka Day) from the British.

This was more than a year after Uganda had attained its independence on October 9, 1962, from the same colonial master.

“The country has remained strong and united despite challenges both external and domestic. Kenya’s infrastructure has flourished, education has expanded, and health care has improved. Above all, Kenya has taken up a rightful position in the community of nations, playing an important role in championing peace and stability not just in the region, but indeed even at the global level,” Odongo said.

He added, “The story of 61 years of independence of Kenya is indeed a story of resilience and most definitely a story of successful adaptability. For this reason, I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the leaders of Kenya, both past and present, as well as the gallant citizens for demonstrating a high level of patriotism and putting Kenya first and above everything else, making Kenya flourish internationally.”

He noted that Uganda and Kenya maintained strong and cordial bilateral relations underpinned by historical connections, mutual interests, shared vision and aspiration, and cultural ties.

“It is therefore very common out there for Kenyans and Ugandans to refer to each other as brothers and sisters,” he said.

He encouraged the members of the private sector to continue to tap into the potential brought about by the deeper relations and explore more ways in which economic ties can further be enhanced.

Maangi similarly acknowledged the enduring "brotherhood" between Kenya and Uganda, significantly contributing to mutual progress.

"Our cooperation is a reflection of the strong ties between our nations, and it has driven growth across various sectors," said Maangi.

The Kenyan top diplomat in the country, who equally called for a toast, disclosed that through the Joint Ministerial Commission, a platform that facilitates and formalizes agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation between the brotherly nations, several memorandums have been signed to deepen collaboration in the areas of public service, youth affairs, sports, and scientific research, among others.

"We are committed to regional economic transformation that benefits all nations," he said.

He added that Kenya’s direct investments into Uganda cut across areas of banking, energy, manufacturing, construction, ICT, and agriculture, which is a critical driver of regional prosperity.

According to Maangi, both President Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart are committed to boosting cross-border trade and infrastructure as key elements in the ongoing partnership.

“One key initiative they have discussed is the implementation of one-stop border posts, designed to streamline and accelerate trade between Kenya and Uganda. President William Ruto has directed that goods arriving from Mombasa to Uganda should face no delays at the border, ensuring smoother transit between the two nations,” he said.

He added, “We are committed to ensuring that Ugandans exporting goods via the Port of Mombasa experience no hindrances,” Maangi said.

Maangi commended the successful integration of Kenyan and Ugandan customs officers at the border, which has led to faster clearance times, making trade between the two countries more efficient and seamless.

Following an agreement reached between Ruto and Museveni in May 2024, Maangi said that Uganda is now able to import refined petroleum products through the Port of Mombasa, lowering fuel prices for both countries.

"The success of this oil deal demonstrates the power of collaboration between Kenya and Uganda, two close neighbours and essential trade partners, working together to foster economic stability and growth," Maangi said.