President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart, President Yoweri Museveni, have signed eight new bilateral agreements at State House, Nairobi—marking a significant step forward in strengthening ties between the two nations. The signing came just a day after Tanzania imposed a ban on certain Kenyan businesses operating within its borders.
The new agreements bring the total number of trade and cooperation pacts between Kenya and Uganda to 25. Among the latest deals is a partnership between the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UNBS), which aims to promote scientific and technical collaboration. The agreement is also expected to boost legitimate trade and help curb illicit cross-border activities.
A major breakthrough was also reached on the long-standing Migingo Island dispute. The two leaders resolved to address the matter through a new Fisheries and Aquaculture agreement, which provides a framework for joint consultation and cooperation in the sector.
During the visit on July 30, 2025, President Ruto briefed President Museveni on Kenya’s infrastructure projects, particularly the ongoing Nairobi–Nakuru–Malaba Highway dualling initiative. Once completed, the project is expected to improve the movement of goods and people between Kenya, Uganda, and the wider Great Lakes region.
The leaders also committed to accelerating the Busia Metro Project (2025–2028), a cross-border investment programme designed to stimulate regional economic growth and deepen community ties. As part of this effort, the two countries will enhance operations at the Busia One Stop Border Post and improve connectivity to the Port of Mombasa.
Additional agreements signed during the high-level visit covered a wide range of sectors, including tourism, agriculture, animal technology, mining, and property rights to support local governments.
President Ruto also announced the formation of a special committee and the appointment of a cultural envoy to advance tourism and cultural exchanges 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, President Museveni emphasized the need for Africa’s youth to focus on economic production.
“Modern economies are driven by the production of goods and services,” he said, urging young Africans to harness the continent’s vast market potential.
