Uganda, DRC deepen security, trade and infrastructure cooperation at high-stakes meeting in Kampala

KAMPALA, May 14, 2026 — The 9th Session of the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo Joint Permanent Commission [JPC] was held at Hotel Méstil in Kampala, with both countries pursuing an ambitious agenda aimed at strengthening security cooperation, expanding cross-border trade and accelerating strategic infrastructure projects considered critical to regional stability and economic transformation.

The three-day meeting was held under the theme: “Scaling Shared Prosperity: Trade, Infrastructure and Security for Enhanced Bilateral Relations, Regional Stability and Socioeconomic Transformation.”

The session began with discussions among technical officials, which are expected to shape the direction of high-level negotiations over the coming days.

Opening the meeting, Amb. John Leonard Mugerwa reaffirmed Uganda’s longstanding friendship with the Democratic Republic of Congo, describing the relationship as one rooted in shared history, cultural ties and growing economic interdependence.

He emphasised that the two countries continue to benefit from their geographical proximity, which has supported steady growth in trade, investment flows and people-to-people exchanges.

Mugerwa noted that bilateral trade between Uganda and the DRC has continued to expand, driven by strong demand across both markets.

He said the movement of goods, services and labour reflected the complementary nature of the two economies, creating significant opportunities for deeper regional integration and inclusive growth.

He further underscored the importance of the Joint Permanent Commission as a strategic platform for addressing shared priorities, including security, infrastructure development, energy cooperation, agriculture and investment facilitation.

He called on delegates to maintain a spirit of partnership, trust and mutual responsibility as they pursue solutions aimed at enhancing peace and prosperity across the region.

The Kampala session builds on outcomes from a midterm review held in Mpondwe in February 2026, during which both countries assessed progress in streamlining economic cooperation and advancing security coordination. Among the key commitments made earlier were the operationalisation of visa waivers and the simplification of cross-border trade systems.

Security cooperation remained a central focus of the discussions, with delegations reviewing progress under Operation Shujaa, the joint military initiative targeting the Allied Democratic Forces and other armed groups operating in eastern DRC. The talks in Kampala also examined technical border verification processes, particularly in the Busanza sector, aimed at strengthening coordination and reducing cross-border insecurity.

On trade and economic integration, officials revealed that efforts are underway to eliminate persistent non-tariff barriers that continue to slow regional commerce. A revised memorandum of understanding on trade cooperation is expected to be concluded during the session, paving the way for smoother cross-border business operations and improved market access.

Infrastructure development is also taking centre stage. The Kasindi–Beni road project is now approximately 60 per cent complete, while progress on the Beni–Butembo section remains at an early stage. These transport corridors are regarded as critical lifelines linking eastern DRC to Ugandan markets and ports.

Both countries are also aligning technical studies and timelines for the proposed Standard Gauge Railway network, building on momentum from the March 2026 Uganda–Tanzania rail agreement aimed at strengthening regional connectivity. In the aviation sector, discussions are ongoing regarding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, alongside the finalisation of a Search and Rescue framework intended to improve safety and emergency response coordination.

Energy cooperation also features prominently on the agenda, with technical teams advancing plans for the Nkenda–Beni–Bunia–Butembo high-voltage transmission line. The project is expected to enhance the reliability of electricity supply and support industrial growth across border regions. Updates are also being made to hydrocarbons cooperation frameworks to support investment and resource development.

The session further addressed sensitive social and legal matters, including the management of approximately 500,000 Congolese refugees currently hosted in Uganda.

In addition, discussions focused on strengthening judicial cooperation and finalising arrangements for the transfer of convicted persons, with the aim of improving legal coordination between the two countries.

The outcomes of the meeting are expected to reinforce security cooperation while unlocking greater trade, infrastructure development and long-term regional stability across the Great Lakes region.

https://thecooperator.news/regional-parliamentary-forum-in-uganda-to-push-for-peace-in-drc/

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