Tanzania, Uganda bolster ties in investment, energy, road projects as bilateral trade hits 406.8m US dollars

KAMPALA: TANZANIA and Uganda are seeking to deepen economic ties through trade, investment, energy and infrastructure projects, with bilateral trade reaching 406.8m US dollars in the 2024/25 financial year.

Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Uganda, citing strategic projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which is 92 per cent complete, and plans to establish Tanga as a regional energy hub.

Speaking at celebrations to mark Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary in Dar es Salaam, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, who represented the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, congratulated the Ugandan government and people on their achievements since independence.

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Speaking at the celebrations, Prof Kabudi said the two countries share longstanding ties rooted in good neighbourliness, brotherhood and economic cooperation, adding that the relationship continued to offer opportunities for mutual development.

He said the EACOP project and the agreement to develop Tanga into a regional energy hub demonstrates the growing strategic importance of cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

Moreover, Prof Kabudi also highlighted the Fifth Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), held in March 2026, saying it had provided fresh impetus for ensuring that bilateral agreements translated into tangible benefits for citizens.

Ugandan High Commissioner to Tanzania, retired Colonel Fred Mwesigye, underscored the historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the liberation struggles in Africa, and acknowledged Tanzania’s contribution to strengthening economic, social and regional cooperation.

He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to working with Tanzania to expand trade and investment and implement strategic projects for the benefit of citizens in both countries and the wider East African Community.