Uganda and Somalia have agreed to implement joint permanent commission to foster trade by siging Memorandum of Understanding in Kampala at the closure of the Second Session of the Uganda- Somalia Investment and Business Forum held from 7th -8th October 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala,
The MOU was signed between H.E Hon. Farahsheikh Abdulkadir, Minister of Education of the Federal Republic of Somalia led the Somali and Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation of Uganda
The Ministers reiterated their commitment to ensure that the JPC is convened biennially and directed the senior officials to convene the midterm review on an annual basis, in between the sessions of the JPCs, to review the status of implementation of the decisions and explore new areas of cooperation.
The Ministers reviewed and exchanged views on the status of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the existing fraternal relations between the two countries and agreed to further strengthen the cooperation that will go a long way in facilitating trade and investments, free movement of persons and improve the livelihoods of the people of the two countries.
The Ministers further reviewed the status of implementation of the MoUs signed during the 1st Session of the JPC, these included; Diplomatic and Political Consultations, Defense Cooperation, Trade Cooperation, Investment Promotion and Cooperation between Chambers of Commerce.
The Ministers welcomed the signing of the following MoUs on Immigration Management, Cooperation in the field of Education and Sports and finally on Security Cooperation.
The Two Ministers directed the senior officials to conclude the MoUs in the following areas; Cooperation in the field of Health, Cooperation in Standards and Quality Assurance, Cooperation in Customs, Cooperation in management of Refugees, Cooperation in Finance and Banking and Cooperation in Statistics
On Cooperation in the field of Civil Aviation, the two Ministers directed the Aeronautical Authorities of both countries to meet and review the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) as soon as possible.
The Two Ministers directed the Senior Officials to finalize consultations on the Bilateral Labour Agreement as soon as possible. The Ministers welcomed the offer by the Republic of Uganda to train Somali Diplomats. A curriculum for training was shared during the 2nd JPC Session.
The Commission reviewed the Kampala Declaration on Trade, Investment and Tourismfor the 1st Session of the Uganda – Somalia Investment and Business Summitand operationalizedtheJoint Permanent Investment and Business Council (JPIBC) to address NTBs and harness trade, investment and tourism opportunities in both countries.
The Ministers agreed that the 3rd Session of the JPC, Investment and Business Forum be convened in the year 2027 in Mogadishu, Somalia.