Uganda and Rwanda have agreed to move forward from years of diplomatic tensions, signaling a renewed commitment to cooperation following high level talks in Kampala.
The breakthrough came during the 12th session of the Joint Permanent Commission, a key bilateral platform designed to strengthen relations between the two neighbouring states. The three day meeting ended with both sides adopting a more conciliatory tone and signing four new memoranda of understanding covering health, education, agriculture, and local governance.
Officials framed the outcome as a deliberate shift away from past disputes toward practical collaboration. Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, likened previous tensions to disagreements within a marriage, suggesting that while conflicts are inevitable, what matters is the willingness to resolve them and move forward. His remarks reflected a broader sentiment among policymakers that prolonged disputes had delivered little benefit to citizens on either side of the border.
Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Usta Kaitesi, emphasized that the relationship between the two countries remains grounded in shared history and long standing ties. She pointed to ongoing engagement between Yoweri Museveni and Paul Kagame as a foundation for rebuilding trust, while stressing the need to translate diplomatic agreements into concrete outcomes.
Beyond the signed agreements, the discussions covered a wide range of strategic issues, including tourism development, particularly within the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector. Both countries also committed to strengthening cooperation in tackling cross border human trafficking, cybersecurity threats, and animal diseases through joint vaccination programmes.
Education and mobility were also key points of focus, with both sides acknowledging the importance of facilitating student movement and access to opportunities across borders. These areas are seen as critical to restoring normalcy and rebuilding confidence among citizens who were directly affected by past tensions.
The renewed engagement follows a difficult period in bilateral relations, most notably the 2019 border closure that severely disrupted trade and movement. The closure, which lasted until January 2022, stemmed from mutual accusations, including claims by Rwanda that Uganda was supporting rebel groups and mistreating its քաղաքացինs. The standoff had significant economic consequences, particularly for traders and transport operators reliant on cross border activity.
Trade remains a central pillar of the relationship. Uganda exports goods worth an estimated 260 million dollars annually to Rwanda, including food products, construction materials, and electricity, while Rwanda’s exports to Uganda are valued at around 12 million dollars. Restoring smooth trade flows is therefore a priority for both governments.
Security cooperation also featured prominently in the talks, with Ugandan officials highlighting improved coordination between defence and security agencies as a stabilizing factor. This is particularly important given the shared concerns around regional security and cross border crime.
Despite the positive tone, the real test will lie in implementation. Past agreements between the two countries have not always translated into sustained progress, making follow through essential to maintaining momentum.
The next session of the Joint Permanent Commission is expected to take place in Rwanda at a mutually agreed date, providing another opportunity to assess progress and address any emerging challenges.
The decision to reset relations reflects a pragmatic recognition that cooperation offers greater benefits than conflict. For both Uganda and Rwanda, the focus now shifts from rhetoric to results, as they attempt to rebuild one of East Africa’s most significant bilateral partnerships.
