The Government of the Republic of Uganda has commenced the Second Session of the Uganda-Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) alongside an Investment and Business Summit, which is running till 8 October 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, under the theme “Promoting Uganda-Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade and Tourism, and Harnessing Opportunities in Both Countries.”
Delivering his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vincent Bagiire, welcomed delegates to the JPC and took the opportunity to warmly receive his colleague, H.E. Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, and his delegation.
Mr. Bagiire noted that the bilateral relations between Uganda and Somalia are deeply rooted in their shared belief in Pan-Africanism and Ubuntu, the notion that “we are because you are,” a philosophy that guides Uganda’s approach in all that it does. He emphasised that this second session of the JPC will further strengthen relations and enhance the strong historical ties between the two countries.
Recalling that the two nations held their inaugural session two years ago in Kampala, four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed.
Mr Bagiire highlighted the importance of tracking and reviewing the implementation status of those MoUs to ensure tangible results for the people of both nations.
He further noted that during this second session, several new MoUs and agreements are expected to be signed, specifically in the areas of immigration, education, sports, and a bilateral labour agreement.
Mr Bagiire also recalled that during the inaugural session, an Investment and Business Summit was convened on August 10, 2022, underscoring the importance that both governments attach to business linkages and cooperation. He was pleased to note that the two sessions are once again being held alongside this JPC, expressing hope that the private sector will take advantage of the opportunity to form partnerships, conduct business, and exhibit as many products as possible.
In conclusion, Mr. Bagiire thanked all delegations for attending the JPC and appreciated the technical officials from both sides for their efforts in ensuring the success of this JPC and Business Forum.
H.E. Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Somalia, expressed his great honour and privilege to address this important session of the Joint Permanent Commission between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Republic of Uganda.
He conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, to H.E. President Yoweri Museveni, and to the Government and people of Uganda. On behalf of his delegation and the people of Somalia, he also extended heartfelt congratulations to Uganda on its upcoming 63rd Independence Anniversary to be celebrated on 9 October, describing it as a proud reminder of Uganda’s history—a story of self-determination, unity, and progress. He noted that Somalia joins Uganda in celebrating this remarkable achievement and wishes the nation continued peace, prosperity, and success.
H.E. Haadoow reaffirmed that the friendship between Somalia and Uganda is deep and enduring. He recalled the first-ever Joint Permanent Commission held on 7–8 August 2022 in Kampala, during which both countries established a structured framework for cooperation in defence, training, education, capacity building, and diplomacy. He emphasized that the current meeting builds upon that foundation and represents a shared determination to move from commitments to concrete results that directly benefit citizens.
He expressed Somalia’s profound gratitude to Uganda for its unwavering support toward Somalia’s national peace and stability. He noted that Uganda was the first country to deploy troops under AMISOM in March 2007 and has since played a leading role under AMISOM, ATMIS, and now AUSSOM, contributing to security, rebuilding institutions, and restoring hope across Somalia.
H.E. Haadoow paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Ugandan soldiers who have served in Somalia, stating that their courage embodies the true spirit of African solidarity and Pan-African unity. He underscored the duty of both delegations to ensure that the JPC is not only successful but also impactful.
Quoting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, he noted that the strength of any partnership is measured by the real change it brings to the lives of people.
He therefore urged technical teams from both countries to work with dedication and focus to produce evidence-based recommendations supported by facts, timelines, and deliverables that will inform ministerial decisions and high-level engagements.
He expressed Somalia’s commitment to expanding cooperation beyond security into trade, investment, education, cultural exchange, and social development. He also emphasized the importance of continued direct engagement between ministries and agencies to strengthen institutional linkages that will sustain the partnership long after the meeting concludes.
In conclusion, H.E. Haadoow expressed his deep appreciation to the Government and people of Uganda, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their warm hospitality, continued support, and partnership. He also commended the technical experts from both countries for their tireless efforts in preparing this session, which made it possible for bilateral cooperation to grow stronger, more practical, and results-oriented.
The session featured a review of the
- Status of implementation of the signed MoUs
- Review of the agreed minutes of the 1st session of the JPC
- Review of the MoU on diplomatic and political consultations, defence, trade and investment agencies cooperation
- Discussions of MoU’s to be signed during the 2nd session of the JPC.
- Touring and interacting with various exhibitors that showcased Ugandan products across the Agro-Industralisation, Tourism, Mineral development and Science, Technology, and Innovation (ATMS) construction sectors among others. Key companies that featured included Inspire Africa Coffee, Lato, Supreme Flour, Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries, Tooke Flour, Dei BioPharma, Brookside, Mac Bee Honey, IUIU, MHS, Karibu Coffee, NETA, NuCafe, Eastman Minerals, DEEQA Construction, Eastman Carbon.
The session concluded with the signing of the agreed minutes between the two countries.
