Uganda, DR Congo Sign Agreements to Deepen Bilateral Trade, Infrastructure Development

Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday signed two (2) agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and strengthening infrastructure development for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) was signed by President Yoweri Museveni on behalf of Uganda, and Christophe Lutundula, Congo’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs.

The second agreement, the project development agreement -- was signed by Alexis Gisaro Muvunyi, DRC’s minister of infrastructure and public works and Bageya Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s ministry of works & transport.

The signing of these agreements follows the state visit to Uganda by DRC president Felix Antionè Tshisekedi from November 9-10, 2019 where he agreed with Museveni on the importance of developing cross–border infrastructure which is essential to facilitate trade between the two countries.

The visit by Lutundula to Uganda comes at a time when relations between Uganda and the Congo are growing from strength to strength.

“This trajectory would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication by both Heads of State,” the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.

The IGA, which covers three roads stretching 223 kilometers -- and the Project Development Agreement (PDA) are will facilitate the construction and upgrading of the following roads:

•           The Mpondwe/Kasindi- Beni road (80 kilometers)

•           The Bunagana- Rutshuru- Goma Road (89 kilometers

•           The integration of the Beni-Butembo Axis (54 kilometers)

President Museveni commended his counterpart, Tshisekedi for the leadership and the importance attached to the development of cross-border infrastructure.

“This is a critical enabler in facilitating trade, investment, tourism, movement of people and but more so in deepening regional integration,” reads the statement.

The President also underscored the need to maintain peace and security to achieve prosperity and development for the benefit of all people in the Region.