Uganda and Rwanda have reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries as officials gather in Kampala for the 12th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC),meeting.
Head of the Ugandan delegation, Richard Kabonero noted that although the last formal framework meeting was held three years ago in Kigali, both countries have continued to strengthen ties.
“It is a testament to our desire to strengthen our cooperation that even without the JPC, our two countries have continued to enhance cooperation in various areas,” he said, citing defence and security, energy, infrastructure, and regional integration among the key sectors.
“While the geographical, historical, and cultural ties that bind us remain strong, we must continuously confront challenges and opportunities that emerge.”he stated.
“The challenges we face currently are what we call problems without passports. These include pandemics, zoonotic diseases, climate change, human and wildlife trafficking, as well as cyber crimes. Let us dedicate this session to finding innovative ways of enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our people.”he added.
As of April 2026, Uganda and Rwanda are strengthening bilateral ties through the 12th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), focusing on trade, security, and infrastructure following the full reopening of their border. Key agreements emphasize cross-border collaboration, with Rwanda importing 40MW of electricity from Uganda to support energy needs
The Head of the Rwandan delegation Tete Gisa emphasized the importance of the commission, describing it as a reflection of strong political commitment.
“This JPC is a framework of strong political will and high expectations from our respective leaderships to further strengthen political and economic cooperation between our two countries,” she noted.
She called on delegates to review progress made since the previous session.
“Let us seize this opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved since the 11th JPC held in March 2023 in Kigali,” she said, adding that discussions would cover sectors including trade, defence, immigration, infrastructure, energy, aviation, and ICT.,”Gisa also highlighted new areas of engagement.
“We will engage in discussions aimed at renewing and expanding cooperation in critical areas such as health, education, agriculture, correctional services, and local government,” she said.
Looking ahead, she stressed the need for tangible outcomes.
“Our cooperation must continue to translate into improved livelihoods, enhanced regional integration, and sustained socio-economic transformation,” she stated.
Officials are reviewing progress on previous agreements covering trade, customs, defense, security, immigration, justice, and infrastructure.
Both nations have committed to tackling security threats, specifically the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), with ongoing cross-border security meetings.
Rwanda remains a vital trade partner, though Uganda exports far more to Rwanda ($22.37M monthly as of Sept 2025) compared to Rwandan exports to Uganda ($1.2M).
