CROSS BOARDER TOURISM AND TRADE COOPERATION DEEPENED AT UGANDA RWANDA JPC IN KAMPALA.

In a renewed effort to deepen bilateral relations and advance regional integration, Uganda is hosting the 12th Uganda–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) at Mestil Hotel in Kampala from 20th to 22nd April 2026. The high-level engagement, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Government of Uganda, is convened under the theme “Enhancing Trade, Infrastructure, Value Chain Linkages for Economic Transformation.”

The Ministry of Tourism was represented by Principal Tourism Officer Ms. Kiiza Harriet, who joined other sector representatives in deliberations aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on tourism development as a driver of regional integration and economic transformation.

The JPC serves as a critical platform for reviewing progress and advancing cooperation between Uganda and Rwanda across strategic sectors including trade, infrastructure, security and socio-economic development. The 12th Session builds on commitments made in previous engagements, including the 11th JPC held in Kigali in 2023 and reflects renewed momentum towards deepening East African Community integration.

Tourism featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries acknowledging the sector’s potential to enhance people-to-people linkages, stimulate cross-border travel and unlock shared cultural and natural heritage assets. Uganda and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to developing structured collaboration in tourism promotion, product development and value chain linkages that support sustainable growth.

In a key outcome from the Senior Officials’ Session, it was agreed that the Republic of Rwanda will initiate a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism, to be shared by 30th June 2026. The MoU is expected to formalize cooperation in areas such as joint marketing initiatives, capacity building, conservation tourism and facilitation of cross-border tourism circuits.

The three-day engagement commenced with the Senior Officials’ Meeting on 20th April, followed by the Permanent Secretaries’ Session on 21st April, and culminated in the Ministerial Session on 22nd April 2026. The Ministerial Session is expected to conclude with the signing of several MoUs across key areas of cooperation.

Beyond tourism, discussions underscored the importance of easing trade and investment flows, strengthening infrastructure connectivity and enhancing collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing and regional mobility. These efforts are aligned with broader continental aspirations under the African Union Agenda 2063, which seeks to promote inclusive growth, stability and regional integration.

The outcomes of the 12th JPC are expected to further consolidate diplomatic relations between Uganda and Rwanda while creating practical pathways for economic transformation, with tourism positioned as a strategic pillar in advancing shared prosperity.