Uganda and Tanzania have agreed to expand cooperation in energy, trade, infrastructure and regional security following high-level talks held in Dar es Salaam.
The developments were announced during a joint press briefing addressed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President Samia Suluhu Hassan after bilateral discussions between their delegations.
President Samia said the leaders reviewed progress on strategic energy projects linking the two countries, including oil and gas pipeline infrastructure.
She said implementation of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project is progressing as planned, with transportation of oil expected to start in July.
H.E Samia said the partnership also covers plans for a gas pipeline from Tanzania to Uganda and a refined oil pipeline from Uganda to the port of Tanga, strengthening Tanzania’s role as an export corridor for Ugandan petroleum products.
On trade and logistics, President Samia said the talks examined ways of improving access for Ugandan traders to the ports of Tanga and Dar es Salaam to ease cargo movement.
She added that Tanzania had received a request to extend railway connectivity further into Uganda to enable more efficient and affordable transportation.
The Tanzanian leader said the two sides agreed to remove persistent non-tariff barriers that limit commerce between them.
She said eliminating the obstacles would accelerate economic growth and reinforce the East African regional market.
President Samia said Uganda and Tanzania will continue working together on energy production to meet domestic demand and serve regional and international markets.
On peace and security, she said the leaders discussed efforts to promote stability in the Great Lakes Region and shared plans to support dialogue aimed at resolving conflicts.
President Samia welcomed President Museveni and described Tanzania as his home.
She congratulated him and the National Resistance Movement on what she called a landslide victory and said Tanzania remains ready to work closely with Uganda.
In his remarks, President Museveni said Africa must safeguard the independence secured by earlier generations.
He said modern prosperity depends on producing goods and services competitively and generating income for citizens.
President Museveni said the meeting addressed several tactical security matters affecting the region.
He added that the two countries discussed industrial specialisation, with Tanzania focusing on locomotive manufacturing while Uganda concentrates on textiles.
The Ugandan leader said Africa’s response to external pressure depends on internal strength, unity and economic resilience.
Both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations for the benefit of their citizens and the wider East African community.
