Uganda-Somalia JPC: Uganda & Somalia to ink bilateral agreement to boost regional trade

Uganda and Somalia under the Joint Permanent Commission platform are set to sign a bilateral agreement to boost trade relations between the two countries.

According to Bagiire the joint permanent commission to be signed this week aims to double Uganda’s current trade volumes from about $4 million to at least $8 million in the coming years.

Bagiire who was officiating at the Second Session of the Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission in Kampala, noted that the platform serves as a “framework for implementing all aspects of security, education, migration, trade, and investment.

“Our bilateral relations are deeply rooted in our joint belief in Pan-Africanism and Ubuntu — the philosophy that we are because you are,” Bagiire told delegates.

“The JPC gives us the framework to move from words to action, from cooperation to delivery for our people.” he stated

He described the growth as a sign of confidence and resilience despite Somalia’s security challenges.

According to Bagiire Uganda now seeks to expand exports of food produce, cement, beverages, and education services, while facilitating smoother movement of goods and people through coordination between the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Ministry of Trade, and Immigration Services.

“We bring all actors together to ensure the flow of goods, services, and persons is as seamless as possible,” Bagiire said, adding that Uganda’s interest is “to export as much as possible — in goods we manufacture, and in services we offer.”

He emphasized that collaboration between Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Somalia’s authorities will continue to resolve such challenges, ensuring fair treatment and stronger people-to-people ties.

The Permanent Secretary recalled that the first JPC in 2022 yielded four memoranda of understanding covering defense, trade, education, and diplomatic training. He urged both sides to track and review progress to ensure “commitments deliver tangible results.”

He thanked Somalia’s delegation, led by Ambassador Hamza Adan Hadow for their commitment to move from commitment to concrete results.

Uganda and Somalia inaugurated their first JPC in August 2022, signing cooperation frameworks to institutionalize bilateral engagement. Uganda has been Somalia’s largest troop contributor since 2007 under AMISOM, and now under the African Union Transition Mission (AUSSOM).