Kenya, Uganda sign key trade, transport and electricity deals
CAPTION: Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni signs the visitors’ book at State House, Nairobi, as President William Ruto looks on, July 30, 2025. (Courtsey photo).
By Stephen Wandera Ouma
NAIROBI – When Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni speaks, you listen. Not because of his achievements, but because he is the oldest Head of State in the region. He has seen leaders come and go.
On Wednesday, July 30, at State House, Nairobi, Museveni called on his regional counterparts to embrace leadership that is focused on change, not legacy, nor popularity.
Speaking during the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding between Kenya and Uganda, the Ugandan Head of State said, “Ni wakati wa kuamka na kufanya mambo iliyo na akili,” translated to “it is time for leaders in the region to wake up and become change-makers. To lead with purpose.”
President Ruto and President Museveni signed key bilateral agreements at State House, Nairobi, a day after Tanzania imposed a ban affecting certain Kenyan businesses operating in the country.
During Museveni’s official visit, Kenya and Uganda inked eight new bilateral deals, bringing the total number of trade and cooperation agreements between the two nations to 25.
CAPTION: Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (3rd L) being recieved during his official visit to State House, Nairobi on July 30, 2025.
Among the new agreements is a partnership between the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UNBS) aimed at enhancing the scientific and technical exchange of ideas. The deal also seeks to promote legitimate trade and curb illicit trade between the two countries.
The two Heads of State also resolved to address the longstanding dispute over Migingo Island, where Kenyans and Ugandans have clashed over territorial claims. The matter will be handled under a new agreement on Fisheries and Aquaculture that sets a framework for consultation and cooperation in the sector.
CAPTION: Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (3rd L) being recieved during his official visit to State House, Nairobi on July 30, 2025.
Another agreement was signed on transport and development, through which both nations committed to boosting trade by improving logistics and infrastructure along shared corridors.
President Ruto updated Museveni on the ongoing Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba Highway dualling project, which is expected to ease the movement of goods and people between Kenya, Uganda, and the broader Great Lakes region.
The two leaders also agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Busia Metro Project (2025–2028), a cross-border investment programme that seeks to spur economic growth and deepen ties among local communities.
This project will also enhance the One Stop Border Post at Busia and improve connectivity between the region and the Port of Mombasa.
Other agreements signed during the visit include cooperation in tourism, development of property rights to support local governments, mining, agriculture, and animal technology.
President Ruto further announced the formation of a special committee and the appointment of a cultural envoy to promote tourism and cultural exchange among Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
“I have appointed a special envoy for the Atekeri people, which spans the Teso of Uganda and Kenya, the Karamojong, the Turkana, and all the way to the people of South Sudan, just to leverage the culture, tradition, and tourism of the communities living in that region,” Ruto said.
Speaking during the ceremony, Museveni emphasised that modern economies are driven by the production of goods and services, urging young people to focus on harnessing Africa’s vast market potential.
