Uganda, Somalia strengthen ties at second joint permanent commission in Kampala
KAMPALA, October 10, 2025 – Uganda and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, following the successful conclusion of the Second Session of the Joint Permanent Commission [JPC] and the Uganda–Somalia Investment and Business Forum, held from 7th to 8th October 2025 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
The high-level talks were co-chaired by John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs [Regional Cooperation], and Farahsheikh Abdulkadir, Somalia’s Minister of Education, who led their respective delegations.
Key outcomes and agreements
The two countries reviewed the status of existing cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the “fraternal relations” that continue to underpin trade, security, and people-to-people engagement. Both parties emphasised the importance of holding the JPC biennially, with annual midterm reviews by senior officials to monitor progress and identify new areas of collaboration.
Significant progress was made on various Memoranda of Understanding [MoUs]. The ministers welcomed the signing of three new MoUs on: Immigration Management; Education and Sports; Security cooperation
They also directed senior officials to expedite negotiations in critical sectors including health, customs, finance, climate change, and refugee management.
In the field of civil aviation, both sides instructed their aeronautical authorities to urgently review the Bilateral Air Service Agreement [BASA] to improve air connectivity between the two nations.
Additionally, Uganda offered to train Somali diplomats, with a proposed curriculum shared during the session, a gesture that was warmly received by the Somali delegation.
Boosting trade and investment
The Commission reviewed the Kampala Declaration on Trade, Investment and Tourism, a product of the inaugural Uganda–Somalia Investment and Business Summit. The declaration led to the operationalisation of the Joint Permanent Investment and Business Council [JPIBC], tasked with addressing non-tariff barriers and boosting bilateral trade, investment, and tourism.
The ministers also noted the ongoing discussions around a Bilateral Labour Agreement, urging its finalization to facilitate the safe and structured movement of workers between the two countries.
Next JPC to be held in Mogadishu
In a show of growing mutual confidence and regional cooperation, the two parties agreed that the Third Session of the JPC and Investment and Business Forum will be held in 2027 in Mogadishu, Somalia.
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