Uganda, Rwanda sign key pacts in: Agriculture, health, education, local govt
According to the joint communiqué, the four sectors were identified as critical areas for advancing socio-economic transformation and improving the welfare of citizens.
(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. This was after the opening of the 12th session of the Uganda-Rwanda joint permanent commission scheduled 20th -22nd April, 2026 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. (Credit: Maria Wamala)
________________
Uganda and Rwanda have taken a major step in strengthening bilateral cooperation, signing four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in agriculture, health, education, and local government.
The agreements were signed during the 12th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. The meeting, convened from April 20 to 22, 2026, brought together senior government officials from both countries.
Uganda’s delegation was led by John Mulimba, minister of state for foreign affairs in charge of regional affairs, while Rwanda’s was led by Dr Usta Kaitesi. According to the joint communiqué, the four sectors were identified as critical areas for advancing socio-economic transformation and improving the welfare of citizens.
The new agreements build on existing cooperation frameworks and signal a shift toward more people-centred partnerships between the two neighbours.
In agriculture, the two countries are seeking to enhance cooperation in areas such as productivity, food security, and value addition, with a focus on supporting farmers and strengthening cross-border agricultural trade.
The move is expected to benefit communities along shared borders and boost regional food systems.
The health agreement aims to promote collaboration in healthcare delivery, knowledge sharing, and response to public health challenges.
The delegates said this will improve access to services and strengthen joint responses to health threats that affect populations on both sides.
In education, the partnership is expected to support knowledge exchange, skills development, and institutional collaboration, helping to build human capital and create opportunities for young people in both countries.
Meanwhile, cooperation in local government will focus on enhancing governance systems, service delivery, and administrative coordination, particularly in border districts where cross-border interaction is most active.
Mulimba emphasised that the agreements reflect a shared commitment to delivering tangible results for citizens, noting that cooperation must translate into real improvements in people’s lives.
For the Kigali team, Kaitesi echoed the sentiment, highlighting that expanding collaboration into social sectors demonstrates the growing trust and mutual understanding between Uganda and Rwanda.
The four agreements form part of broader efforts by the two countries to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional integration under the guidance of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Paul Kagame.
For details of this three-day 12th Session of the Uganda - Rwanda JPC, read the story in New Vision of Thursday, April 23, 2026, or subscribe to our e-paper via http://epapers.visiongroup.co.ug