Overview:

Kenya and Uganda deepen ties with 8 new deals on trade, transport, and Migingo Island. Presidents Ruto and Museveni strengthen regional cooperation amidst growing economic focus.

NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed eight new bilateral agreements Wednesday, July 30, 2025, during Museveni’s official visit to Nairobi. The deals, which bring the total number of agreements between the two East African nations to 25, cover trade, transport, and electricity, and come a day after Tanzania imposed a ban affecting some Kenyan businesses.

Among the new agreements is a partnership between the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UNBS).

This collaboration aims to boost the exchange of scientific and technical ideas, promote legitimate trade, and curb illicit trade between Kenya and Uganda.

The two leaders also addressed the longstanding territorial dispute over Migingo Island, which has seen clashes between Kenyan and Ugandan communities.

Under a new agreement on Fisheries and Aquaculture, the matter will be resolved through a framework for consultation and cooperation in the sector.

Boosting Regional Connectivity

A significant agreement on transport and development was also signed, with both nations committing to improve logistics and infrastructure along shared corridors to boost trade.

President Ruto updated President Museveni on the ongoing Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba Highway dualling project, a key infrastructure initiative expected to ease the movement of goods and people between Kenya, Uganda, and the broader Great Lakes region.

The presidents also agreed to accelerate the Busia Metro Project (2025–2028), a cross-border investment program designed to spur economic growth and strengthen ties among local communities. This project will enhance the One Stop Border Post at Busia and improve connectivity between the region and Kenya’s Port of Mombasa.

Other Areas of Cooperation

Additional agreements signed during the visit include cooperation in tourism, the development of property rights to support local governments, mining, agriculture, and animal technology.

President Ruto 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 stated.

President Museveni, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized that modern economies are driven by the production of goods and services.

He urged young people to focus on harnessing Africa’s vast market potential.