Tanzania, Uganda broaden ties in energy, cross-border trade, communication sectors  

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Uganda have signed a new cooperation agreement covering several sectors, including electricity, cross-border trade, and communication, all aimed to  strengthen their longstanding bilateral relations.

Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, together with Uganda’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, signed the agreement aimed at enhancing economic and social cooperation between the two neighboring nations.

Speaking on March 13, 2026, during the Joint Commission for Cooperation meeting between Tanzania and Uganda held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, Kombo said the two countries have continued to strengthen their historic partnership through agreements designed to promote trade, investment, and shared development.

During the discussions, both sides agreed to sign several agreements covering sectors such as cross-border trade, transportation of goods, taxation matters, and cooperation in production to boost trade volumes between Tanzania and Uganda.

Kombo also noted that the two countries have agreed to deepen collaboration in the energy and infrastructure sectors, including the use of shared electricity infrastructure to enable citizens from both countries to benefit from improved power services.

The leaders also discussed ways to simplify cross-border activities for residents living near the border by introducing systems that allow easier movement for social and economic activities, while ensuring that identification documents are recognized in both countries.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the strategic oil pipeline project that will transport crude oil from Uganda to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania, known as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

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Kombo said the project is vital for the economic development of both countries, as it is expected to increase government revenues, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth across the East African region.

For his part, Deputy Minister John Mulimba said the agreement reflects the strong commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation and advance the development of their citizens.

He emphasized that Tanzania and Uganda will continue working together on development projects and trade initiatives to ensure both countries benefit economically and socially.