Kenya, Uganda strengthen ties during Jamhuri celebrations in Kampala
Delivering his speech on behalf of the Ugandan government, regional affairs state minister John Mulimba, who was the chief Guest, said the occasion was both a celebration of Kenya’s national journey and a reflection of the enduring ties between the two nations.
Joash Mangi, Kenya High Commissioner (2nd from left), John Muliba, State Minister for Regional Cooperations (3rd from left), Flavian Zeija, Deputy Chief Justice and Etsegenet Yimenu (right) joined by other guests to cut the cake to commemorate Kenya's 62nd independence day at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, December 12 2025. (Photos by Wilfred Sanya)
________________
Kenya and Uganda have strengthened their long-lasting partnership and shared commitment to regional integration, peace and economic transformation.
This happened as Kenyans in Uganda celebrated their country's 62nd Independence Day on December 12, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
Jamhuri Day is meant to officially mark the date when Kenya became a republic on December 12, 1964, one year and six months after gaining internal self-rule on June 1, 1963, from the United Kingdom.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders from different countries and members of the East African Community to celebrate the Independence of Kenya.
Kenyan Ambassador to Uganda Joash Maangi described the 62nd independence anniversary as a moment for reflection on Kenya’s journey and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to regional co-operation, shared prosperity and inclusive development.
“Kenya’s independence was hard-won through struggle, sacrifice and unwavering determination. Our fathers and mothers stood firm so that future generations could live in freedom and dignity,” Maangi said.
He added that there are close economic and diplomatic ties between Kenya and Uganda, and the two neighbours remain each other’s leading trading partners. Co-operation between the countries spans trade, investment, tourism, transport and industrial development, with several joint projects underpinning regional integration and economic growth.
“Kenya remains firmly committed to strengthening this already fruitful partnership, anchored in our shared history, bound by kinship across our borders, and reinforced by our common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” Maangi said.
(L-R) John Muliba, State Minister for Regional Cooperations, Flavian Zeija, Deputy Chief Justice and Joash Mangi, Kenya High Commissioner toasting to commemorate the 62nd Independence Day for Kenya at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.
According to Maangi, Jamhuri Day celebrations are both a tribute to Kenya’s past struggles and achievements and a reaffirmation of its commitment to fostering regional co-operation, economic growth, and shared prosperity across East Africa.
Enduring ties
Delivering his speech on behalf of the Ugandan government, regional affairs state minister John Mulimba, who was the chief Guest, said the occasion was both a celebration of Kenya’s national journey and a reflection of the enduring ties between the two nations.
“This day celebrates not only Kenya’s self-rule but also the shared values that unite our countries. Over the decades, Uganda and Kenya have built a strong, resilient, and evolving partnership, grounded in East African Community cooperation and sustained through political dialogue, mutual trust, and shared priorities,” Mulimba said.
Mulimba added that Uganda and Kenya share values of regional development, mutual respect and a vision for a prosperous East African community, with a strong development partnership, cooperating on trade, security, education, and research initiatives.
He further reflected on how Kenya has supported Uganda through turbulent years by hosting refugees and facilitating trade.
“Kenya has been a reliable and committed regional partner, supporting Uganda through access to its large and dynamic economy.”
He noted that following the National Resistance Movement’s rise to power in 1986, Kenya played a significant role in facilitating trade and access to the national market for Uganda’s produced goods, hence helping it economically.
The minister also highlighted that both countries collaborate on regional peace and security initiatives, refugee issues, and trade through organisations like the African Union and EAC, efforts through regional and continental bodies such as the African Union, East African, COMESA, and IGAD.
Enabling policies for trade
He thanked the Kenyan Government for creating an enabling government and policies that have enabled annual trade between the two countries to surpass $1.3 billion (about shillings 4.615 trillion), a figure that has enabled Uganda to build its national development.
Highlighting that Kenya’s strong regional agenda would continue to complement Uganda’s strategic priorities under the Fourth National Development Plan, which focuses on accelerating economic transformation and deepening integration across East Africa.
This year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations were held under the theme: Tourism, World-Class Leisure, and MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions] reflecting Kenya’s ambition to position itself as a leading destination for both business and leisure tourism.
To this, Maangi said the government of Kenya has continued to offer key incentives in the tourism sector, including tax holidays, which have attracted world-renowned hotel chains and expanded premium accommodation capacity.
These initiatives, combined with improved air connectivity and robust global marketing, have strengthened Kenya’s ability to host high-end travellers, international conferences, and incentive-based business events.
“From breathtaking wildlife and stunning landscapes to vibrant cultures and pristine coastlines, Kenya truly offers something for every traveler,” he said, inviting Ugandans and visitors from across the region to take advantage of the festive season to experience Kenya’s renowned hospitality, rich heritage, and world-class leisure opportunities.