Kenya-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission Hosted in Kampala

Following a four-year hiatus, the Kenya-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) kicked off on Sunday, May 12 at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel and will end on Tuesday, May 14.

The JMC is composed of ministers from both parties and is co-chaired by ministers of foreign affairs or other representatives delegated to perform that function. The sectors under the spotlight include trade and investment, immigration and customs, energy and natural resources development, defence and security, health services, standards, and quality assurance among others.

The JMCs are held biennially on a rotational basis in accordance with the agreement establishing the Uganda-Kenya JMC of February 20, 2014.

In 2019, the two countries held the First Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Nairobi. 

Speaking at the opening of the Senior Official’s meeting this morning, Director Regional and International Affairs MOFA, Ambassador Elly Kamahungye, highlighted the historical bonds between Kenya and Uganda dating back to years of exceptional cooperation and mutual understanding.

"The forthcoming JMC is a testament to our commitment to further deepen our bilateral ties and address “shared challenges,” he emphasized. “This significant event underscores the enduring friendship and robust cooperation between our nations, founded on shared values and a common vision for the prosperity of our people.”

Amb. Dennis Mburu, Director for Africa Affairs under the State Department for Foreign Affairs in Kenya, noted that this JMC will enhance the longstanding cordial relationship between Kenya and Uganda, noting that Kenya and Uganda have deep bilateral and multilateral engagements that traverse the EAC and COMESA, which will enhance cooperation in various sectors, hence enhancing relationships.

“Kenya is committed to achieving tangible results,” Mburu said, “We are optimistic that following previous engagements that we have had with Uganda, we shall have a realistic document to present to our Ministers by the close of the JMC."

In this JMC Agreement, the two sides will pursue initiatives of cooperation on specific sectors to include the following:

1. Trade and Investment
2. Immigration and Customs
3. Energy and Natural Resources Development
4. Defence and Security 
5. Health Services
6. Standards and Quality Assurance
7. Water and Lands; 
8. Development of Physical Infrastructure
9. Tourism and Culture
10. Peace and Security on both sides of the Border;
11. Education Youth and Sports
12. Public Service

Key contentious issues such as trade barriers, border demarcation, security matters, and facilitation of permits have been identified for resolution underscoring the commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering mutual benefits.