Uganda and Kenya have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and shared commitment to regional integration, peace, and economic transformation as Kenya marked 62 years of independence during Jamhuri Day celebrations held in Kampala.
The event, hosted at the Sheraton Hotel, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the East African community, underscoring the enduring historical, political, and economic bonds between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the celebration, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, John Mulimba, described the occasion as both a celebration of Kenya’s national journey and a reflection of the deep-rooted ties uniting the two nations.
He said Uganda and Kenya have over the decades built a resilient and evolving partnership grounded in cooperation within the East African Community, sustained political dialogue, mutual trust, and shared development priorities. According to him, collaboration between the two countries has expanded across trade, education, research, security, transport, and development cooperation, contributing significantly to regional stability and economic growth.
Mulimba highlighted Kenya’s strategic role in Uganda’s history, recalling periods when Kenya hosted Ugandan refugees and supported the country during challenging times. He noted that following the National Resistance Movement’s rise to power in 1986, Kenya played a key role in facilitating Uganda’s economic recovery by providing access to international markets and supporting trade in agricultural and industrial products.
He described Kenya as a reliable regional partner whose large and dynamic economy has directly supported livelihoods across East Africa. He also pointed to joint engagements through the African Union, East African Community, COMESA, and IGAD, which have strengthened cooperation on peace and security, refugee management, and cross-border trade.
Mulimba commended Kenya’s leadership in regional peace efforts, citing its contributions to peace support operations in Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He said Kenya’s experience in implementing refugee frameworks has been particularly valuable to Uganda, reflecting Pan-African solidarity and shared humanitarian values.
On the economic front, Mulimba said bilateral trade between Uganda and Kenya has surpassed $1.3 billion annually, equivalent to about 4.6 trillion Ugandan shillings, contributing significantly to socio-economic transformation in both countries. He expressed confidence that Kenya’s regional agenda would continue to complement Uganda’s development priorities, particularly under Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan, which focuses on accelerating economic transformation and deepening regional integration.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda, Joash Maangi, described the 62nd independence anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewal of Kenya’s commitment to regional cooperation, shared prosperity, and inclusive development. He said Kenya’s independence was achieved through sacrifice and determination, laying the foundation for freedom and dignity for future generations.
Maangi emphasized that Kenya and Uganda remain each other’s leading trading partners, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, tourism, transport, and industrial development. He said several joint projects continue to underpin regional integration and economic growth, reinforcing the shared vision of peace and prosperity in East Africa.
This year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations were held under the theme “Tourism, World-Class Leisure, and MICE,” highlighting Kenya’s ambition to position itself as a leading destination for business and leisure tourism. Ambassador Maangi said government incentives, including tax holidays, have attracted global hotel brands, expanded premium accommodation, and strengthened Kenya’s capacity to host international conferences and high-end tourism.
He invited Ugandans and visitors across the region to explore Kenya’s diverse attractions, describing the celebrations as not only a tribute to Kenya’s past but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to regional cooperation, economic growth, and shared prosperity across East Africa.
