Uganda and Kenya set to discuss barriers to trade

Following a four-year hiatus, the Kenya-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) is underway from Sunday 12- Tuesday 14 May 2024 at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel.

The JMC is composed of ministers from both parties, and it is co-chaired by ministers of foreign affairs or other representatives delegated to perform that function.

The sectors under spotlight include trade and investment, immigration and customs, energy and natural resources development, defence and security, health services, standards, and quality assurance, among others.

The JMCs are held biennially on a rotational basis in accordance with the Agreement establishing the Uganda-Kenya JMC of 20th February 2014. In 2019, the two countries held the First Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Nairobi. Post-Covid19 pandemic, the Second Session will run from 12th-14th May 2024.

Speaking at the opening of the Senior Officials meeting this morning, director regional and international affairs from the ministry of foreign affairs Ambassador Elly Kamahungye highlighted the historical bonds between Kenya and Uganda dating back to years of exceptional cooperation and mutual understanding.

Officials from Uganda and Kenya attending the meeting at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel. (Courtesy photo)

The forthcoming JMC is a testament to our commitment to further deepen our bilateral ties and address “shared challenges” he emphasized.

“This significant event underscores the enduring friendship and robust cooperation between our nations, founded on shared values and a common vision for the prosperity of our people,” he said.

Amb. Dennis Mburu, the director for Africa affairs under the state department for foreign affairs in Kenya noted that this JMC will enhance longstanding cordial relationship between Kenya and Uganda, noting that Kenya and Uganda have deep bilateral and multilateral engagements that traverse the EAC and COMESA, which will enhance cooperation in various sectors, hence enhancing relationships.

“Kenya is committed to achieving tangible results,” Mburu said, “We are optimistic that following previous engagements that we have had with Uganda, we shall have a realistic document to present to our Ministers by the close of the JMC,” Mburu added.

In this JMC Agreement, the two sides will pursue initiatives of cooperation on specific sectors to include the following: trade and Investment, immigration and customs, energy and natural resources development, defense and security, health services, standards and quality assurance.

Officials from Uganda and Kenya posing for a group photo after attending the meeting at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel. (Couresty photo)

Others are; water and lands, development of physical infrastructure, tourism and culture, peace and security on both sides of the Border, education, youth and sports and public service.

Key contentious issues such as trade barriers, border demarcation, security matters and facilitation of permits have been identified for resolution underscoring the commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering mutual benefits.

SOURCE: NEWVISION